Fifty-two residents of the apartment complex were rushed out of the burning building. Residents we talked with say they were in such a hurry to get out - they didn't have time to grab any personal belongings.  That's adding to the burden for local agencies trying to help.

While the raging fire is out and the thunderstorm has passed, a dark cloud lingered over Gaylord on Thursday. The gloomy weather: an accurate representation of the mood of many of those residents that just lost their home. 

Resident Fred Muller says he knocked on doors to make sure everyone got out. "And I went to go back into the building and they told me not to, because it was real dangerous." Patricia Bennett, who also lived in the building, was worried for a neighbor. "He lived right next door to me, I thought he was dead because he had oxygen {a tank} in his room. He made it out, he's sleeping."

About 10 of the residents ended up sleeping at the Evangelical Free Church in Gaylord. Fred Muller says he only brought the clothes on his back. That means no driver's license, no identification, and a more immediate concern for many of these residents - no medication.

Food Pantry volunteer Karlene Crawford says Gaylord will step up to help. "Our community is gonna reach out and help anybody we possibly can in any way that we can. So we want to reach out to all those people, tell them we care about them." Donations of clothing or personal items can be delivered to Goodwill Industries. Anyone with food donations can take those to the Ostego County Food Pantry.  Tthere were also about 15 dogs and cats living in the building - donations of pet food and supplies can be dropped off at the food pantry as well.  Each of the residents can get vouchers for Goodwill items at the United Way at no cost.

There will also be additional help available for them after the residents find new, permanent housing.