Williston EMS and Fire Department Tackle Fierce Apartment Fire

On Tuesday, the Williston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Fire Department were put to the test following a report of a multi-family residential structure fire. At 3:54 PM, the Williams County Dispatch Center (WCDC) dispatched the Williston Fire Department (WFD) to the Mid Stay Apartments, located in the 7100 block of 2nd Avenue West. The WCDC reported smoke and fire visible from the apartment complex and confirmed that an evacuation was in progress.

Due to the fire's active nature and the apartment complex's size, WFD activated a 2nd Alarm response. This response included the deployment of two fire engines, a ladder truck, members of the paid-on-call staff, and command staff. The Williston Police Department was also dispatched for traffic control and scene security, while Williams County/Williston Emergency Management was called to assist with scene support services.

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First Responders Arrive Quickly, Control Apartment Fire in Williston

Truck 2 from Fire Station #2 was the first to arrive at 3:57 PM. Upon arrival, the crew observed an ongoing evacuation and confirmed active fire and smoke from the southeast corner of the structure. Firefighting began immediately, and crews thoroughly searched to ensure all occupants had evacuated. Initial assessments suggested that the fire started on an exterior balcony on the 2nd floor and spread into the attic. The fire was reported under control by 4:32 PM.

One was Hospitalized, Animals Rescued, and Significant Damage in the Williston Apartment Fire

One person was transported to CHI St. Alexius – Williston for evaluation due to smoke inhalation. Several animals were rescued and either reunited with their owners or placed in the care of the Williston Police Department’s Animal Control Officers. The apartment complex, consisting of ten occupied units, sustained significant damage, rendering all units non-occupiable pending evaluation by the WFD Fire Marshal and the City of Williston Building Department.

In total, 27 firefighters, including Engine 3, Engine 1, Truck 2, Medic 2, Tender 1, Rescue 2, and command staff, responded to the scene. By 6:25 PM, all units—aside from those assisting the Fire Prevention Division—were free. The WFD Fire Prevention Division is investigating the fire's cause and origin.

WFD thanked mutual aid partners, including the Williston Rural Fire Department, Williams County Emergency Management, the Williston Police Department, the Williams County Sheriff's Office, and the Trenton Fire Department, for their invaluable assistance.

The Trenton Fire Department and WFD EMS crews responded quickly to all four additional calls for service that they received during the incident, which included medical emergencies and a false fire alarm activation.