Amarillo crews battled four structure fires in the city over the weekend, with one of those involving a death and another with a person taken to the hospital. Three of the fires took place July 20, and one early July 21. No firefighters were injured.
822 N Fairfield fire
The Amarillo Fire Department (AFD) responded to a residential fire at 6:27 a.m. Monday at 822 N. Fairfield St., where crews could see fire and smoke showing from a single-story home. An occupant was outside and informed responders that others might still be inside, prompting an immediate upgrade to a second alarm, AFD said.
After the alarm upgrade, 11 apparatus and 33 personnel responded to the scene and crews initiated an aggressive fire attack, searched the structure twice and were able to save two dogs from the home. Ultimately, they found no additional people inside the residence, and the fire was brought under control by about 7:14 a.m.
Two people were evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation, with one taken by Amarillo Medical Services to Northwest Texas Hospital. No firefighter injuries were reported.
1319 Broadmoor fire
Amarillo crews responded to a reported structure fire at about 3:34 p.m. Sunday at 1319 Broadmoor St. and found a single-story residential home with moderate smoke showing from the eaves and attic area.
A total of 10 apparatus and 37 AFD personnel responded to the scene, and firefighters found an unresponsive individual inside the home during a search. After confirming the person was deceased, efforts continued to extinguish the fire and ensure all hazards were mitigated.
The fire was declared under control after about three hours on scene. No firefighters were injured. The individual was confirmed deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Estimated losses include $130,000 in property damage and $30,000 in content losses.
602 S Houston fire
Amarillo firefighters responded to a structure fire at 1:35 a.m. Sunday at 602 S. Houston St. involving a camper adjacent to a single-family residence. Crews arriving to the scene found the camper fully involved in fire and threatening nearby structures, and flames and smoke were visible from the attic vents of the adjacent home.
A total of six apparatus and 18 personnel quickly initiated a coordinated fire attack to contain the blaze and protect exposures. Crews searched the building, accessed the attic via ladder, and extinguished remaining hot spots. AFD said salvage and overhaul operations were carried out to limit property damage.
No injuries were reported in connection with this incident. Preliminary estimated losses are $5,000 in property damage and $2,000 in content loss.
2343 NW 13th fire
Amarillo crews responded to a working structure fire at around 12:48 a.m. Sunday in the area of 2343 NW 13th Ave. involving a previously condemned mobile home.
Crews found the structure fully involved in fire and initiated a defensive fire attack due to dangerous conditions and structural instability. With six total apparatus and 19 personnel at the scene, Engine 8 began suppression efforts while Engine 4 established a water supply. Ladder 1, Engine 9, and additional units supported extinguishment and overhaul.
A partial roof collapse occurred on the east side early into operations. Due to unsafe conditions, a primary search was not possible, but firefighters attempted a careful search later to ensure no people were present.
No injuries were reported, and there were no known occupants at the time of the fire. The property is considered a total loss.
The Amarillo Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating the incidents, with more information expected to be released later in the week. Estimated losses for some of the fires are still being assessed and have not yet been finalized.
AFD reminds the public to make sure smoke alarms are in working order and to have vacant structures properly secured.
For additional information, contact the Amarillo Fire Department at (806) 378-4238.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Deadly house fire among 4 incidents Amarillo crews battle over 2 days
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
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