Oct. 23 -- VALLEY CITY, N.D. -- One person died in an apartment fire early Wednesday morning, Oct. 23, in Valley City, according to Nicholas Horner, Valley City police chief.
Horner said some people jumped out of their window to escape the fire in a three-story apartment building and firefighters with the Valley City Fire Department rescued 7 others.
The Valley City Police Department and Valley City Fire Department responded to a fire at Viking Manor Apartments, 215, Sixth Ave. SW, at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Horner said one person was found dead in the apartment building. He said the body is being taken to the University of North Dakota for an autopsy.
Police said it's too early to say if the fire or death were suspicious.
"We've talked to just about everybody that's living in the apartment. There were some that weren't staying the night and stuff, just kind of getting their stories, what they saw, what they heard," said Lt. Dana Rustebakke of the Valley City Police Department.,
Horner said the American Red Cross is assisting residents of the apartment building.
"There was great teamwork from all of our partners and stuff. And I think that's how we got the conclusion that we got where we didn't have more people hurt," Rustebakke said.
Barnes County Emergency Management contacted the Red Cross, helping people figure out their next steps. Due to heavy smoke damage, no one can stay in the building.
"Some have been put up in hotels, and I think they're continuing to assist as much as they can," said Rustebakke of the Red Cross' efforts.
The North Dakota Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the fire. Only one other injury was reported.
Barnes County Ambulance and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation also assisted at the scene.
Horner said anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Valley City Police Department at