13 Columbus families left homeless by fire get help - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

By Lindsey Connell - bio | email | Twitter

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -  Robyn Golden and her four small children don't have much left but they're thankful they have each other.

They are one of 13 families left homeless after flames tore through the Pleasant Point apartment complex off Cusseta Road in Columbus Thursday morning.

"It's been a terrible time for me. This experience is scary. I'm glad I got my kids out and we're ok and everybody is going to be alright," Golden said.

Columbus Fire officials are working to determine what caused the blaze but they do know it started in one of the second floor units.

"We took some samples in that area and checked out a few things but we're still investigating. Once it got into the attic, it just ran the whole complex," explained Columbus Fire Marshal Chief Thomas Streeter.

The Red Cross is providing victims with necessities like food and clothing.

Some families are staying in hotels and managers for the complex say one woman in the community has opened her home to five families affected by the fire.

The owner of the building says he will relocate the victims to some of his other properties as the clean up and investigation continues.

As for Robyn and her family, they plan to take things one day at a time.

Looking at the charred remains of their home, her fiancee, Memphis, noticed that one family heirloom made it through the fire- a picture of the Last Supper.

"That's the only thing left hanging on the wall. That's the only thing you have besides money and everything- God. You have to keep God first. It has to be a sign," he said.

Red Cross officials say they will also help victims purchase linens and kitchen items.

One Columbus firefighter received burns to his arms and ears and was taken to the hospital. Fire officials say his injuries are minor.

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