A fire destroyed four buildings at Crossgates apartments in Starkville early Tuesday evening.
Starkville Police Chief David Lindley said the fire started around 5 p.m., but the origin of the fire has not been identified.
“Four buildings are a total loss,” he said. “Wind spread embers from the first building to roofs of the other buildings.”
Crossgates resident James Warnock, biomedical engineering professor, said he saw the fire start on the southeast corner of building 19. It caught the side of the building on fire, spread to the roof and the wind spread it to the other buildings, Warnock said.
Eyewitnesses say the burned buildings are immediately east of Mallory Lane. The main entrance to the complex is on Stark Road.
Lindley said there is no word on casualties, but the fire is under control.
“The fire is contained and all surrounding buildings have been evacuated,” Lindley said.
University police are on the scene offering emergency housing to students who were displaced by the fire.
Director of University Relations Maridith Geuder said MSU is working to coordinate efforts with the Red Cross.
“The university is working closely with the Red Cross and is supporting their efforts,” she said. “We currently are providing housing for several students who are displaced.”
Geuder said displaced students can call the Red Cross at 662-769-4621.
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman has declined to comment at this time.
As of 7:45 p.m., reports from eyewitnesses say that residents are currently not being allowed to enter the complex with vehicles.
The Reflector has staff members on the scene and will continue to provide online updates as more information becomes available. For the latest updates, visit twitter.com/reflectoronline. Anyone with photos or eyewitness accounts is encouraged to e-mail [email protected].
A full story with further information will be in Friday’s edition of The Reflector.