I'm glad you and your friend were safe! I'm shocked that you were initially told to stay in your apartment!! NO NO NO!!! There is plenty that can burn in hallways and through doors and then into each apartment.

And you were right to worry about smoke. Many people die from smoke inhalation before the flames ever touch them.

I bought a small fireproof thermal bag (not sure that's the right word!) for my passport and important documents, jewellery, an external hard drive for my computer (that I keep updated, so if the computer is lost in a fire, I'll still have the files) and a few other things. I keep it in a closet near the door so I could grab it and go if necessary.

You can find fireproof boxes and other containers on Amazon.

Thank you for sharing your story! I'm sure it'll help a lot of people.