Fire labeled as suspicious; 1 detained in connection with Wednesday afternoon blaze

Published 9:20 pm Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Austin police and firefighters are investigating a fire labeled as suspicious in northwest Austin.

Firefighters were called Wednesday afternoon to the 1200 block of Third Avenue NW on a call for a house on fire at 1201 Third Avenue NW with two occupants trapped in an upstairs apartment.

According to Fire Chief Jim McCoy, firefighters arrived to find “a little bit of fire at the door” of the upstairs apartment. One occupant was later able to escape through the front door while another had to be rescued from the roof.

Austin firefighters prepare to make entrance to an upstairs apartment at 1201 Third Avenue NW on a call Wednesday afternoon. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

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McCoy indicated that the State Fire Marshal has been called to investigate.

Meanwhile, Austin Police Sgt. Kim Lenz said one person has been detained in connection with the fire, but offered no more information at this time.

Both occupants of the apartment declined medical attention.

Check back to the Austin Daily Herald as more information becomes available.

Austin police and firefighters investigate a house at 1201 Third Avenue NW after a fire, being labeled as suspicious, was knocked down Wednesday afternoon. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com