Two-Alarm fire at Southwest Austin apartment complex displaces 27
AUSTIN, Texas - An apartment fire in southwest Austin has displaced more than two dozen people.
“Everyone was safely evacuated the fire was knocked down in about 25 minutes,” said Austin Fire division chief Thayer Smith.
The Austin Fire Department said flames started in the wall of a fireplace and quickly spread to the building's attic and other nearby units.
“The fire extended up into the attic and spread to 2 or 3 apartments in the attic and eventual went through the roof we did have fire showing through the roof,” said Smith.
Crews called for help in order to stop the fire from spreading even more. The water used to stop the fire also caused damage.
“There's going to be water damage to the apartment below because of fighting the fire so there is a substantial amount of water damage fire control damage,” said Smith.
In the end, 22 apartments were evacuated, the complex helping the 27 impacted people find a place to stay while repairs take place.
“Most of the apartments themselves are fine besides the smoke and water damage,” said Smith.
AFD recommends before lighting a fire in the fireplace to get a chimney sweep to come out and give it a good cleaning.
The complex has declined to make a statement at this time. They did allow some residents to retrieve items from their buildings.
The destructive fire is being ruled an accident.