HEARNE, Texas — The Hearne Police Department and the state fire marshal are investigating after two buildings at an apartment complex were destroyed in an early morning fire.
Officers with the Hearne Police Department said fire crews were called to the Columbus Village Apartments on South Riley Street after 4 a.m. Sunday. One of the buildings in the complex was fully engulfed and burned to the ground. The second building lost at least one wall and was gutted by the blaze.
Firefighters remained on scene at 11 a.m. and were still putting out hotspots with water hoses. Several fire crews from surrounding areas were called in to help fight the fire.
Dozens of people are not able to return to their homes and the American Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at the community center. A representative was at the scene of the fire Sunday morning to take a look at the devastation.
Authorities said no one was hurt in the fire and everyone who lives in the buildings has been accounted for.
United Way is setting up a fund for donations and St. Vincent de Paul is working with Red Cross for household items. The American Red Cross is still working on further details as they learn the needs of the family but ask that any organization assisting be in touch with these organizations, according to Bryan American Red Cross Director A.J. Renold.
Columbus Village Apartments fire in Hearne
How you can help
There are several ways you can help the people who have been affected by this fire. Donations are being accepted at the East Side Park Community Center in Hearne. It's located at 405 Norwood Lane.
Donations of bedding, clothing, hygiene items and non-perishable food can all be dropped off. Organizations like OnRamp and the Hearne TX Information Facebook page have listed ways you can help.
This is a developing story and we will continue to update you as more information is released. Authorities said the cause of the fire is not yet known.