Crews battle large apartment complex fire in East Troy, 60+ people evacuated

WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Multiple fire departments responded to the scene of a large apartment complex fire in the Village of East Troy on Thursday morning, May 7. 

Crews were called to Honey Creek Apartments on Honey Creek Circle around 8:10 a.m. At one point, 20 departments were at the scene. 

Firefighters were using bucket trucks to fight the fire from above for hours. Officials say the fire started in the back of the second floor. 

The police chief said 60-70 people were evacuated. 

PHOTO GALLERY

One resident, who lives in the complex, said she was sleeping when she woke up to her fire alarm going off. At first, she said she just laid there because their alarm has gone off before when someone was cooking. 

"Then when my mom didn’t like come in, I went out and then we went to go check the balcony and it was already up in flames," said Megan Czajkowski. 

"I just heard a lot of sirens, but it was very confusing because they would stop before the pulled into the complex," said another resident, Katie Bohrman. 

By Thursday evening, a food and resource pick-up site was established for those in need.

“I think it’s really important to help families have peace of mind that there’s people to help and that a plan can be put in place for them,” said Marolyn Komperud, program director of the East Troy Community Resource Center.

The East Troy Community Resource Center led this response.

They joined with the school district, food pantry and Helping Hands clothing center.

“Given that it’s COVID-19 and the kids already being out of school for two months, it already is mentally stressful for parents and children,” Komperud added.

After tonight, families who need assistance can contact the Resource Center.

Donation accounts have also been established at Citizens Bank and First Citizens Bank of East Troy for those who are able to give.

“East Troy’s a very tight-knit community, and very giving community and we just want these families to know that they will be surrounded and uplifted, and helped in any way that we can,” she added.

The banks are accepting donations until May 22.

If you wish to donate, and want to write a check, address it the East Troy Community Resource Center and put “Honey Creek Fire Fund” in the memo.

No one was injured and the cause of the fire is still unknown.