Riverview neighbors rally around fire victims

RIVERVIEW (FOX 13) - After a massive apartment fire displaced about 100 people, community members are collecting donations to help victims get through these next rough few days.

People started dropping off donations at the Allegro Palms apartment complex, where a fire destroyed two buildings Wednesday night.

“We as people need to stand together and help each other,” said Kenda Wermuth, who started collecting donations as soon as she heard what happened.

Victims who stopped by the distribution site said they are lucky to be alive.  

Raymond Odum was watching T.V. when he said he heard a loud boom.  What unfolded next was a terrifying experience.

Aggressive flames spread throughout two buildings, destroying a total of 24 units, according to Hillsborough fire officials.

“The first thing we wanted to do was make sure that all the neighbors were out," said Odum, "so we were knocking on all the doors and we were trying to assist with getting everybody out."

Several eyewitnesses said they saw and heard a thunder strike over the building. Fire officials stated Wednesday night that a lightning bolt may have started the fire.

Those who lost their homes said material items can be replaced, they're just thankful they survived.

“I feel blessed everybody made it out safe," said Odum, "those are material things, we did lose everything, but you know God is good, and we got people helping us out.”

Metro Ministries planned to distribute donations at the apartment complex Friday at 9:30 a.m.