The Edgewater Apartment Building that was destroyed had 38 units, 34 of which had renters at the time of the fire. The building is a total loss.
Information from the Pierre Police Department earlier this week (Jan. 19, 2021) said “preliminary findings do not lead investigators to believe the fire origin was criminal.”
The investigation was conducted by the Pierre Police and Fire Departments, with the assistance of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire is not being released at this time because further investigation is on-going by the various insurance companies representing those who incurred loss due to the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Edgewater Apartment Buildings are owned by Foster Rentals.
Pierre Area Referral Service is working along with several other agencies and organizations to assist with needs for those affected by the Edgewater Apartment Building fire.
People directly affected by the fire should contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-29-CROSS (27677). Once they have done that, they can contact Pierre Area Referral Service at 605-224-8731 for further assistance.
Pierre Area Referral Service will be accepting food, hygiene and monetary donations for those affected by the fire as well as for ongoing PARS programs. Please designate how you would like your donation to be allocated.