By admin 
SALISBURY, N.C. (WJZY) — All 59 residents of an apartment building in Salisbury that caught fire Saturday evening are safe and accounted for, officials confirmed during a press conference Sunday.
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Firefighters responded to a four-alarm apartment fire at The Grand of Julian apartments off Julian Road, around 7 p.m. Photos from the scene show a large amount of smoke and fire billowing from the roof of the complex. Rockwell Rural Fire & Rescue assisted South Salisbury Fire and other local departments during the incident.
Allyson Summitt, Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, says all 59 residents, including several young adolescents, across 23 apartment units were safely evacuated and were kept in a safe and secure place overnight.
Officials add that a dozen pets were accounted for, except those that ran away during the incident. Two cats had to be rescued from the first floor. Firefighters found no deceased pets during their initial walkthrough.
According to Rowan County Emergency Services, “only minor injuries to occupants have been reported.” At least two residents had jumped from the balcony to escape the fire and sustained minor injuries, such as ankle and foot injuries, that are being closely monitored and treated. The number of injuries was not specified. There were no injuries to firefighters.
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A Fire Watch and law enforcement were on the building overnight. Around 8 a.m., crews went back out to the scene to assess the damage and see if they could allow residents to collect their belongings.
Officials say investigators have identified that the fire’s point of origin was on a balcony, but the specific cause remains under investigation with the assistance of the Office of State Fire Marshal. Despite circulating rumors about a grill starting the fire, investigators confirm it was not a grill that started the blaze.
The American Red Cross, DSS, and other local agencies are assisting residents. Officials are working with residents to secure them a more permanent location. Community members who would like to donate to assist residents should monitor official social media pages for updates on what residents need.
Fire officials say they are grateful to the community for coming together to support and assist the displaced residents. Deputy Chief Summitt also further encourages every resident to make sure they have a working smoke alarm and to contact the local fire department if they do not.
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“Smoke alarms save lives,” she says. “They are essential. They do save lives.”