It took only six minutes for the Ripley Fire Department to arrive at the Ripley Schoolhouse Apartments on North Second Street in Ripley after receiving the call of a fire. Photo by Wade Linville
Members of the Ripley Fire Department and local emergency response crews worked fast to evacuate residents and extinguish the fire at the Ripley Schoolhouse Apartments on Aug. 17. Photo by Wade Linville
Thanks to the quick response of the Ripley Fire Department on the evening of Aug. 17, a large fire at the Ripley Schoolhouse Apartments affordable housing complex on North Second Street in Ripley resulted in no serious injuries or deaths and was extinguished within 10 minutes of firefighters’ arrival.
It took only six minutes for the Ripley Fire Department to appear at the scene after receiving the emergency call. Tenants were evacuated after the fire started in the apartment complex, many taking shelter in a nearby church.
It certainly was a scary scene when the fire broke out in the old schoolhouse apartments, which was originally the Ripley Elementary School.
The Ripley Schoolhouse Apartments affording housing complex is known for housing some tenants with disabilities who may need assistance in an emergency evacuation.
Recent repairs and inspections of fire hydrants throughout the village also played a role in the quick response, as the nearest hydrant to the fire had recently been inspected by the Village of Ripley and was in working order.
Village officials commended Ripley Fire Chief Tony Pfeffer and local firefighters for their quick response and their valiant efforts to save lives.
Fire and emergency response crews were also called in from other surrounding villages, and members of the Ripley Life Squad were also there to assist.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.