Woman dies in fire in St. Louis County apartment complex

One woman died and residents of an apartment complex were evacuated after a fire Saturday in the city of Mountain Iron in St. Louis County.

The fire was reported at about 6:20 a.m. on the 8500 block of Raintree Drive. Firefighters evacuated two buildings in the complex after encountering heavy smoke on the second floor.

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said in a report that 25-year-old Shavondria Owens was found dead at the scene.

Residents of 24 apartment units were displaced by the fire and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Gino Sung said Red Cross personnel have arranged for displaced residents to take shelter at a nearby community center.

"To be the best that we know right now, there will be some residents who will not be able to stay in their homes tonight," Sung said. "But right now the American Red Cross personnel are on site working with the residents, providing emotional support. We have found them a place to stay that is warm."

The incident is being investigated by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office.