UPDATE: Smoldering rags source of Trustmark building early morning response

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Residents of the Trustmark Building were briefly evacuated early Sunday morning after smoke was detected emanating from a ninth-floor storage room due to smoldering rags, said Tim Cantwell of Newbreak Management.

In the early morning hours of Sunday June 8, a cleaning crew member detected the smell of smoke coming from 10 South’s storage room, located on the far east end of the building’s ninth floor. The individual called 911, and Vicksburg Fire Department crews were dispatched and arrived on scene by 3:21 a.m.

The building’s fire alarm was activated due to the smoke, prompting residents to evacuate as a precaution. Upon entry, the Vicksburg Fire Department were guided to the source of the smell, where they discovered a small stack of smoldering rags.

Firefighters quickly soaked the rags with water to fully extinguish them. After a thorough check of the surrounding area, the department confirmed there were no additional hazards and the building was safe.

The alarm was silenced, and residents were informed they could return to their apartments. Firefighters worked to ventilate the remaining smoke and departed the scene around 4 a.m., Cantwell said.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. No injuries were reported, and damage was minimal.