Veteran among those displaced by early morning fire at Abilene apartments

ABILENE, Texas — Shortly after 3 a.m. Monday, tragedy struck the Spanish Arms apartment complex on North 6th Street.

The Abilene Fire Department said crews responded to a structure fire that affected several apartments and displaced many residents.

RELATED | Families seek new housing after early morning fire at Abilene apartment complex

Wes Jones, a Vietnam War veteran, was among the residents who lost his home. He was in the complex when the fire broke out.

“I heard a noise and I got up to see what was going on. Then I went outside and saw that the central structure of the building was on fire and it was very widespread,” Jones said. “The flames were quite high.”

Jones said he never could have predicted the complex was on fire.

“I’m really shocked, I didn’t think this would happen in my lifetime,” he said. “But it was definitely a shock… I hope we get through this.”

For the residents, this fire was heartbreaking.

Despite the devastation, Jones is already planning his next steps to get back on his feet.

“Well, I’m going to sleep here tonight, but tomorrow I’m going to go see the realtor and see what they can do for me,” Jones said.

His military experience gives him confidence in his ability to overcome this challenge.

“I have military training, I can do anything,” Jones said. “I used to do combat training in the winter every couple of years…so I’m a survivor.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.