Belle Glade apartment fire displaces dozens, Red Cross Disaster Action Team helps victims

BELLE GLADE, Fla. - Dozens of residents are displaced after an apartment fire Sunday afternoon.

The fire forced dozens of people from their homes at a 30-unit apartment building on SW 5th Street, according to the Red Cross.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue estimated 60 to 70 people were displaced. Due to fire, smoke and water damage, the building is no longer habitable. There were no injuries reported.

A fire investigator determined a short in an electrical cord found under a bed was the source of the blaze.

The Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded to the scene in order to assist.

More than 40 residents, including a couple of children, are at the nearby St. John First Missionary Baptist Church, staying in the Fellowship Hall, according to a church member.

A resident of the building said she lost everything in the fire. She said she and her young child will rely on the church for assistance.

Monday morning, the church provided breakfast to the displaced residents, and they will work with the Red Cross to provide showers and other necessities, including clothing and food.