Light in an apartment at night similar to the Ruby M. Rouse Housing Community (Watergut). Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
ST. CROIX — The 911 Emergency Call Center at approximately 7:10 a.m. on November 16 dispatched the Herbert L. Canegata Fire Station (Richmond) to a reported structure fire at the Ruby M. Rouse Housing Community (Watergut). Two units from the station initially responded, and an additional unit from the Renceliar I. Gibbs Fire Station (Cotton Valley) later traveled to assist.
According to a V.I. Fire Service release, once on the scene, first arriving crews observed smoke coming from a second story apartment and commenced firefighting operations. They were later joined by a fire crew from the Cotton Valley Fire Station. Using approximately 1,200 gallons of water, fire personnel extinguished the fire within 30 minutes, the release stated.
The occupant of the residence was overcome by smoke and was given medical attention.
Although fire personnel were able to contain the fire to a southeastern bathroom, adjacent rooms sustained smoke and water damage, the Fire Service said.
The American Red Cross, which assists victims of fire was notified.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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