A Friday afternoon fire on Clinton's east side destroyed part of an apartment complex.

At approximately 3 pm Friday afternoon, the Clinton Fire Department responded to an apartment complex on Clinton's east side near Route 54. Upon arrival, Fire Chief Shawn Milton indicates the apartment was completely engulfed in flames.

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Friday was bitter cold and was very windy in the afternoon. Chief Milton explains that made fighting the fire that much more difficult.

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While the entire complex was not effected, the Chief explains there was a two story portion of the building that was. Chief Milton notes the second story collapsed and it is unlikely it can be restored in it's current state.

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Crews were on scene around 10:30 Friday night. Chief Milton explains on top of leaving at 10:30, they had to return to the firehouse and do a lot of maintenance because of the weather conditions.

Chief Milton continues to encourage residents to keep their smoke alarms up to date with good batteries and to be cautious with space heaters during the winter months.