Child dies after fire rips through Altamonte Springs apartment complex

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters are at the scene of a deadly fire at an apartment complex in Altamonte Springs.

The early morning fire claimed the life of a child, the Seminole County Fire Department said Wednesday.

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The three-alarm blaze broke out at the complex in the 800 block of Ballard Road shortly before 1:20 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters witnessed fire through the roof of the building.

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SCFD said more than a dozen apartments have been impacted by the fire.

Resident Joyce Brank said “I hear people screaming. Everybody get out. So I look outside and I see flames.”

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Deadly apartment fire Fire officials said a child died in the Altamonte Springs fire early Wednesday. (Seminole County Fire Department)

More than 70 firefighters responded to the complex. Maitland and Longwood fire departments were called in to help SCFD units fight the fire.

The American Red Cross, Duke Energy, the State Fire Marshal and Altamonte Springs police have also responded to assist.

The American Red Cross said it will be helping the residents with a place to stay, food and clothes for the next few days until they can get back on their feet.

Fire officials also said preliminary information indicated there were no working smoke detectors.

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Officials said the age of the child who died in the fire was preteen and attended Lake Orienta Elementary.

Official have not released the name of the victim.

The school said it has brought grief counselors to help the children make it thorough the day.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Channel 9′s Q McCray is near the scene and spoke to fire officials shortly after 4 a.m.

You can watch his live updates on Eyewitness News This Morning and monitor WFTV.com for updates on this breaking story.

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