Dozens displaced from Raymond Watkin Apartments allowed to return home

More than 70 residents of Raymond Watkin Apartments, a complex for seniors and people with disabilities on Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs, were evacuated Friday night after a sprinkler caused electrical hazards. By Sunday night, they were told they could return home. Lori Van Buren/Times Union SARATOGA SPRINGS — After electrical hazards temporarily displaced dozens of residents of a complex housing seniors and people with disabilities, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department announced Sunday night that they can finally return home. More than 70 residents of Raymond Watkin Apartments on Ballston Avenue were bused to a shelter at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center late Friday night as a precaution after a sprinkler sent water into a room containing electrical and elevator equipment, the fire department said. Several other residents made their own transportation plans. National Grid shut off electricity in the complex due to safety risks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The American Red Cross helped affected residents with shelter and support services. As of Sunday, 36 people remained at the shelter after some residents sought alternative accommodations, according to Mary Alice Molgard, a public affairs volunteer with the Red Cross. About 9 p.m. Sunday, the fire department announced residents could start returning to their apartments following the completion of cleanup, repairs and safety inspections. Electricity has been restored, and the building's fire prevention and elevator systems have been serviced. A news release the department posted on social media noted the Red Cross was coordinating with the Capital District Transportation Authority to take displaced residents home. 'Completing the necessary cleanup, repairs, servicing, and inspections in less than 72 hours, over the Labor Day holiday weekend, required the commitment and cooperation of numerous City departments, agencies, contractors, community organizations, and volunteers,' city Fire Chief Joseph J. Dolan said in the release. 'We sincerely thank everyone who worked throughout the weekend to safely return residents to their homes as quickly as possible.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Saratoga Springs Fire Department said repairs, required servicing, and safety inspections were completed at Raymond Watkin Apartments, allowing for residents to move back into their apartments. As of Sunday, more than 30 residents were being sheltered at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. Lori Van Buren/Times Union The department also thanked the residents for their patience and cooperation. In the social media post, the department published a photo of a handwritten note taped to a window, saying, 'Shelter is closing. You are allowed to go home to your apartment.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'There were many people working behind the scenes to make the simple message in this photo possible,' the department wrote. 'Thank you to everyone who played a part in getting our residents back home.'