Flames are seen shooting through the roof of an apartment complex on Lindeman Avenue in Dupo on Wednesday. (Sean McGowan photo)

Multiple area fire departments responded about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday to a two-story apartment complex fire at 406 Lindemann Avenue in Dupo.

While Dupo, Prairie du Pont, Columbia, Cahokia, Millstadt and Signal Hill fire departments battled the fire and excessively hot outdoor temperatures, flames shot through the roof of the complex. The Swansea Fire Department was on standby at the scene. At one point, the fire truck horns were honked, urging firefighters inside the building to evacuate.

Dupo Fire Chief Kurt Johnson said the apartment complex was declared a total loss. The complex was made up of four units, all of which were occupied. These families have been displaced and the American Red Cross is assisting.

Kim Skaggs, a resident of the apartment complex, watched as the virulent flames swallowed up her possessions, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I was at work, and I got a call from (police) that the house was engulfed in flames, and I got home and sure enough it was,” Skaggs said. “I have a 12-year-old daughter,” she uttered in devastation.

Meanwhile, Skaggs brought her Chihuahua-mix dog, which she calls her 3-year-old baby, safely across the street to her neighbor’s apartment. John Hoverson housed Skaggs’ dog and several other pets to keep them a safe distance from the fire.

“I’m just a good neighbor, and they needed a place to stay,” Hoverson said. “I pretty much know what’s going on around the neighborhood most of the time.”

According to Johnson, the fire originated in the first floor laundry room with a cause yet to be determined. Firefighters remained on scene until about 4:30 p.m.