Fire in Racine sends thick black smoke into air

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A fire forced dozens of people out of their apartments just one week before Christmas. 

Thick, black smoke was seen billowing out from an apartment complex located at 2000 Washington Avenue in Racine on Monday, Dec. 18. CBS 58 is told the complex is a senior living facility. 

One man said he was walking back home, when he saw his home up in flames. Smoke could be seen spreading through neighboring streets. 

"It happened so quick. I leave to go to Family Dollar and come back and I'm out of a place to stay," said Otha King, victim. 

Otha King says he was walking up to his home after running errands, to find it up in flames. He suspects his belongings are all gone. 

"I seen this huge black smoke coming up on the other side of town, and I got closer, come to find out it's my building on fire," King said. 

Luckily, no one was injured and all residents accounted for. 

First responders quickly de-escalated the magnitude of the flames. 

The Racine Fire Bell Club responded to the scene around 10:45 a.m.

Racine Fire Captain Jose Carbajal told CBS 58, the major damage was to the roof. 

The Red Cross says there were 25 occupied units and 27 people were displaced. Monday evening, the Red Cross said they are assisting six of those people. 

The damage to the building was primarily on the third floor. 

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