Fire investigators are trying to determine what caused a devastating fire at a South Austin apartment complex that displaced more than 40 people and caused more than a million dollars in damage.
Investigators walked through the two story damaged apartment building that is part of the Bainbridge Villas on Southridge Drive. They also interviewed multiple witness.
The Austin Fire Department says it will not know the cause for a few days, but have not ruled anything out including arson.
The damage is estimated at more than $1 million when factoring in structural damage and the renters’ belongings.
Piles of blackened books, clothes, and baseball cards were still fenced in behind yellow caution tape at the complex.
Jamie and Elizabeth Amber returned to the building to interview with investigators and assess the damage. Jamie lost his 1952 Martin guitar in the fire and baseball cards he had collected since he was a young boy.
“We are going to figure out where we want to be, and what we need," said Amber. "We have a ton of people who want to give us a ton of stuff, but we’re going to move slow and figure out what we really need."
The couple moved into the apartment complex two weeks ago. They had to break a second story window and jump through it to escape the fire.
“I grabbed a duffel bag we knew was under the bed, and threw some clothes in it that were close by. There was a trash bag of towels so I threw them out and jumped out,” said Elizabeth Amber.
The couple said they are thankful they had renter’s insurance.
Meanwhile, neighbors are doing what they can to help their friends in need.
“Anything out of my cupboards I’ve given to them. I’ve given them dishes, blankets, sheets, and stuff like that,” said Merri Bruce.
The Bainbridge Apartment Complex office is also accepting donations for the fire victims. The complex is located at 3603 Southridge Drive near Ben White Boulevard in South Austin.
