Austin house fire causes $10,000 in damages

Published 6:46 am Tuesday, January 22, 2019

A Monday afternoon house fire in Austin resulted in $10,000 worth of damages.

The Austin Fire Department responded to a house fire at around 12:45 p.m. that was called in by the homeowner of 808 1st Ave. NW. According to Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy, the homeowner reported smoke coming from the second floor and could see “flames.”

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About 15 firefighters were present on scene to extinguish the small fire using pressurized water cans in the frigid temperatures. Some firefighters were seen shoveling debris from the inside of the home after the fire was extinguished.

Three people—two women and one man— were inside the house at the time of the fire, McCoy said, and all were accounted for when they got out of the house. McCoy also stated that the house is usually occupied by four adults and one child. No injuries were reported.

Around 15 firefighters responded to a house fire at 808 1st Ave. NW in Austin. The cause of the fire was reported to be electrical and caused about $10,000 in damages, according to Chief Jim McCoy. Hannah Yang/hannah.yang@austindailyherald.com

The cause of the fire appeared to be “electrical” and originated in the small attic space on the second floor, resulting in about $10,000 in damages, McCoy said. The house, however, was still “livable” and residents were able to return inside. The people affected received assistance from the American Red Cross.

“No one died or got hurt,” McCoy said. “The house is repairable and they’ll be able to occupy it.”

Although the cold temperatures and snow didn’t affect the fire department’s response to the house fire, McCoy wanted to remind the public that homeowners are responsible for clearing a path to fire hydrants so that they’re accessible during an emergency.