Two Bismarck families were forced to evacuate their homes early Monday morning after a fire broke out in a multi-unit apartment building along South Washington Street. Fire crews responded within minutes, preventing the flames from spreading to neighboring units.

According to the Bismarck Fire Department, emergency calls came in shortly after 3 a.m. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke emerging from the second floor of the building. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, but significant smoke and water damage left two families temporarily displaced.

The American Red Cross is assisting the affected families with temporary housing and essentials. Fire officials have not yet released an official cause, but early indications point to an electrical malfunction in one of the units.

For locals, this incident serves as another reminder of the importance of fire safety checks — particularly as colder weather leads to increased heater and appliance use.

Learn more about fire safety and prevention from the Bismarck Fire Department’s official resources and Red Cross home fire preparedness programs through redcross.org.

Sara Thompson, a neighbor who witnessed the event, added, “It was scary seeing the smoke so close. The firefighters were here fast — they worked hard to keep it from spreading.

The Bismarck community is already responding with compassion. Local residents have begun organizing donation drives for clothing, furniture, and household items to help the displaced families rebuild.

Residents wishing to contribute can contact the Bismarck Emergency Management Office or local Red Cross chapter for verified drop-off locations.