Dallas condominiums destroyed in massive fire

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About 100 firefighters worked to put out a four-alarm fire at a condo complex in far northeast Dallas Tuesday morning.

Dallas Fire-Rescue said the blaze started at the Cambridge Park Condominiums on Audelia Road near Skillman Street after 9 a.m.

Video from SKY 4 showed thick smoke coming from the three-story building. Then after part of the building collapsed in on itself, flames became visible.

DFR spokesman Jason Evans said the firefighters initially tried an offensive attack, but the fire was too intense. Additional firefighters had to be called in to help prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings.

At one point, Evans said a "mayday" call also went out over the radios because a floor collapsed and three firefighters were trapped. But they were quickly located and pulled to safety.

The three firefighters were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One resident was also taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Yolando Ocampo was still covered in soot when she spoke to a FOX 4 reporter. She said she barely made it out in time.

"When I opened the door it was black because I could not believe it was a real fire. I was super scared. I'm still like trembling," she said.

Tyler Stephens found out about the fire while he was at work.

“I race home and see my building is obliterated. Everything is burned to the ground. I lost everything,” he said. “The one thing I want to know is where my dog is at. She’s my baby. I’ve had her for 2.5 years now. She was in a kennel. Firefighter knocked on the door. Opened her kennel to let her out. I just want her to be okay.
Stephens’ dog is a two-year-old Aussie poodle mix. He’s hoping if she did make it out that he will be able to find her.

Other residents said someone was knocking on doors telling people to get out. They are very thankful for that since a lot of people had no idea there was a fire. Fortunately, there are no reports of any serious injuries.

There’s no word yet on how many people will have to find a new home because their building was destroyed. The American Red Cross was called to the complex to help.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. The fire department said given the degree of damage, the cause may be impossible to figure out.

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