WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Fire rips through apartment complex

Fire rips through apartment complex

BYRAM, MS (WLBT) - Large plumes of smoke rose as flames destroyed an entire unit of The Reserve of Byram apartment complex. It happened around 7:30 p.m. Saturday night.

The Hinds County Sheriff's Department and Byram Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. Witnesses say lives were saved because of the heroic efforts of an off-duty JPD officer and neighbors warning neighbors.

"I was passing by," said JPD officer Melvin Bonds. "We noticed a small fire in the corner of the apartment and my brother and I jumped out of the car and proceeded to go up the hill to knock on doors."

"In the blink of an eye the whole building on this side started burning down," said resident Andre Harris. "There were other apartments on the other side, so we ran around and tried to get those individuals out. There was one couple that didn't want to come out, so we kicked the door down and helped them get out."

Residents say no one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.