Water damage 'extensive' at flooded, evacuated Scottsdale condominiums
A burst pipe caused the evacuation of more than 60 units of a Scottsdale condominium complex near North 94th Street and East Thunderbird Avenue early Wednesday.
The Scottsdale Fire Department helped evacuate 63 units at Bella Vista after a sprinkler pipe burst in the attic at the complex.
Capt. Dave Folio, a spokesman with the Scottsdale Fire Department, said a resident called after hearing a noise on the third story, the top floor of the complex. He added further investigation will be needed to determine why the pipe burst.
Water flooded up to 6 inches deep on the first floor, soaked carpets and ran through light canisters, Folio said.
"It's a big deal," Folio said. "It's kind of tragic, just because it's so close to the holidays and the water damage (is) just extensive throughout the entire building."
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No one was injured, though the incident shut down the elevator system, which led the Fire Department to bring in extra units and stair chairs to help some elderly residents evacuate.
Scottsdale fire crews were also helping residents relocate. Some were staying with friends and family, while others had not yet returned to the building. Residents will need to contact their own insurance companies since the condos are individually owned, Folio said.
A representative from APS confirmed that the utility worked with Scottsdale to turn off power to the building to keep emergency crews and first responders safe. In addition, Folio said that someone from the building's facilities team made the decision to shut off the water at the condominiums.
Folio believed city permit officials and building inspectors will need to examine the building to survey the extent of the damage.
"My gut tells me this is going to be quite a long time before these people get to move back in," he said.
Folio stated that he is available to help with questions at 480-285-8387.
Reach the reporter Melina Walling at melina.walling@azcentral.com or on Twitter @MelinaWalling.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Burst pipe floods Scottsdale condominium complex
