Two arrested for arson related to fire at downtown Hastings apartment building
Two people are in custody in connection to a fire at a downtown Hastings apartment building.
HASTINGS, Neb. — Two people are in custody in connection to a fire at a downtown Hastings apartment building.
Firefighters responded to Brewery Lofts Apartments around 5:45 Wednesday morning. A city news release says the fire was in the building’s main stairwell, making it impassable and complicating the evacuation. Firefighters helped residents to get out, but two adults and two kids needed care at a hospital because of smoke inhalation.
Firefighters remained on scene until about 11:30 a.m.
Police and fire department officials investigated and determined the fire was caused by arson. Officers arrested one man and one boy, both residents of Hastings. Police didn’t reveal their names.
According to the release, the building suffered about $5,000 in damages, mostly smoke damage to the stairwell. The fire didn’t damage any residences.