Most residents back after Evansville tower’s fire

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Most residents have been allowed to return to a 10-story apartment building in Evansville after two days of repairs from a smoky fire that killed one person.

Building inspectors cleared Grandview Tower for occupancy Wednesday after about 75 apartment doors damaged in the building evacuation were replaced and the fire alarms, sprinkler system and elevators were checked.

Investigators blame Sunday’s fire in the 170-unit building for the elderly and the disabled on smoking materials in a bed in the apartment where a 66-year-old woman died.

Mary Johnson tells the Evansville Courier & Press it could be more than a month before her mother can return to her apartment while smoke damage is repaired.

The Red Cross says about 30 tower residents stayed at its shelter Monday and Tuesday nights.