Three people are dead, six others are hurt and one man is in jail for manslaughter after a fire in Clark County. The flames quickly spread through the B and P Apartments, sending some people jumping for their lives. It happened around 1:15 a.m. on Friday morning at the complex on Springmist Lane in Winchester.
“I just can’t believe he’s gone, I can’t. He’s just 36 years old,” said Joanne Spillman.
Spillman was moved to tears as she talked about her son, 36-year old Donald Hisle, one of the three people killed in Friday’s fire. The Clark County Coroner has not released the names of the other two people killed in the fire.
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“When he got out of the car, he said I’ll see you tomorrow morning Mom,” said Spillman.
Those were his last words before he went to stay with his father, 55-year old Jackie Hisle Jr. at the B & P Apartments. Spillman said her ex-husband admitted to her he was drinking and smoking while using his oxygen tank early Friday morning.
“He woke up and seen the oxygen line ‘zzzz’ like that. And he jumped up and grabbed my son by the shirt,” said Spillman. She said she thinks that may have sparked the fire.
“Everybody in this whole complex has told him, quit smoking around your oxygen. He didn’t listen, it blew up,” said Johnny Hill, who was staying with a friend at the apartment complex.
Witnesses said no smoke alarms went off and they awoke to explosions and flames. Six people went to the hospital with broken bones, burns or smoke inhalation and several others were treated on scene.
“It tore my heart apart and every time I talk about it, I cry. Because my neighbors are my neighbors and were a close family,” said Rose Neal, who lives in the apartment complex.
A family torn apart, just like Spillman’s. As of Friday evening Jackie Hisle, Jr. was charged with manslaughter in the second degree. Spillman is left saying goodbye to her beloved son.
“I hope he didn’t suffer and I love you with all my heart. And I’ll see you in heaven some day,” said Spillman.
Spillman said her son had no life insurance, and she needs help raising money for his funeral. If you are interested in donating, you can find a link to the GoFundMe page here.
While there is a lot of speculation about what caused this fire, firefighters said it is still under investigation. The B and P Apartment fire is currently being investigated by KSP, Winchester Fire and Police Departments, & the ATF. Federal agents are typically brought in to investigate any fire when the property is valued at one million dollars or more. Documents uncovered by LEX 18’s Investigative Reporter Richard Essex say that the complex on Springmist Lane is valued at $1,036,000.
The owner of the complex, James Tackett, declined to talk to LEX 18 on camera. He did tell LEX 18 that he inspects the apartments for new tenants. Federal or local housing inspectors perform a separate inspection for renters receiving housing assistance. Tackett said he installs new smoke detectors every time an apartment is rented, but he often finds them in a closet or kitchen drawer not working.
LEX 18 was told that there have been no building code violations since the buildings were constructed in 2000.
If you want to help the people displaced by Friday’s Fatal Fire, a church in Stanton is collecting donations.
Donations are being collected at Harbor Light Worship Center Ministries in Stanton. People can bring donations to the church. They are accepting clothing, food, furniture and monetary donations. Harbor Light is located at 130 Washington Street.
They will bring the donations to East Side Baptist Church on Broadway in Winchester.
Beacon of Hope homeless shelter will have extra beds available and will be serving extra meals for those affected by the fire. You can check out their face book page for more information.
Light Worship Center is also opening up their clothing closet to the victims.
In addition to the previously listed organizations, donations will be accepted at:
East Side Baptist Church
148 East Broadway
Winchester, KY
Check Advance
3 North Bloomfield Road
Winchester, KY
Advance America
1914 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY
Lighthouse Church Of God
127 E Hickman St,
Winchester, KY
You can also donate at all Check Advance/Advance America locations in Lexington
