One person dead, multiple rescues from fire at Louisville apartment building

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A woman died Thursday morning after a fire broke out at an apartment complex in the Jacobs neighborhood.

Louisville Fire Battalion Chief Bobby Cooper said three adults and three children were taken to the hospital. There is no word on how badly each was injured. Neighbors tell WDRB that at least one of the children was a toddler.

The fire broke out just before 6 a.m. on West Wheatmore Drive at Watterson Lakeview Apartments off Manslick Road near Crums Lane. Crews arrived in less than five minutes. When a WDRB News team arrived on scene, there were flames and smoke coming out of the roof.

Cooper said the first and second floor buildings were heavily involved. Cars in the parking lot caught fire. Firefighters made several rescues and multiple self-rescues were made, including some jumping from windows.

Louisville Fire called for a second alarm around 6:03 a.m., and more than 60 firefighters responded.

"I feel bad for the people over there," Christi Bowman, a neighbor, said. "This is the holiday season. It's Christmas season. Now, they probably lost their homes and Christmas."

The fire kept igniting just after 6:30 a.m. as crews continued to battle the flames. Crews were able to put the fire out at 6:42 a.m.

Multiple units were damaged. The Louisville arson unit is investigating.

The Red Cross has been on scene and officials say of the 20 impacted apartments, they've been in touch and have helped six people.

They're encouraging anyone affected to reach out to them and get the help they need.

"It's absolutely heartbreaking," Steve Cunanan, regional CEO of the American Red Cross, said. "The American Red Cross responds to disasters both big and small but if you're that person in that small disaster, it may as well be a large disaster and it is absolutely heartbreaking especially this time of year."

To donate to the Red Cross, click here.