A fire broke out at an apartment complex in Elk River on Saturday.

It happened at the Lions Park Apartments on School Street Northwest just after 9:30 a.m.

Fire investigators say damage was extensive.  The entire west section of the third floor was gutted.  The remaining floors received heavy water and smoke damage.

The complex has 61 units, with 56 occupied.  More than 200 people were displaced by the fire.

Witnesses say Good Samaritans ran around the halls of the apartment to warn their neighbors of the fire.

Donation Site:  A relief site has been set up at Alliance Church at 829 School St. NW in Elk River

Dates and times for donation center: Open daily until Saturday, September 27th, 2008, 1:00- 8:00pm

Red Cross:  provided temporary housing and money for immediate needs to many of the families

CAER: is accepting donations for food info at www.caerfoodshelf.org, phone #:  763.441.1020 

Monetary Donations are needed:  Your donations to Hope Filled Hands are tax deductible.  Please make checks out to Hope Filled Hands, and include Elk River Fire in the memo.   Donations can be mailed to PO Box 150, Elk River, MN  55330. Deposits can also be made at any Bank of Elk River locatoin.