BLAIR, Neb. (WOWT) - Dozens of people spent Thanksgiving in emergency shelters after an early morning apartment fire destroyed 20 units at the La Quinta Apartments in Blair, forcing families from their homes on the holiday.

The fire broke out at 1:20 a.m., jolting families awake. Assistant Fire Chief Jake Dunn said crews raced against the clock, pulling people from the burning building. Several residents were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and all are expected to recover.

Within hours of the fire, First Lutheran Church transformed into an emergency shelter, providing warm beds, hot meals and stability for displaced families on Thanksgiving Day. Ten families spent the holiday at the church.

“As soon as there is a need, we open up the doors and do whatever we have to to help p

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