No injuries reported in northwest Austin residential fire early Wednesday morning
Authorities are investigating after a residence in northwest Austin was damaged in a fire early Wednesday morning.
Police and Fire Departments from Austin were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of 8th St. NW for a residential fire at approximately 1:20 a.m. Wednesday morning. Austin Police Captain Todd Clennon stated in a report that officers arrived and observed heavy black smoke coming from the roof on the south side of the residence. Captain Clennon went on to report that officers also observed a small hole on the second floor with flames coming from it, and he added that the officers then assisted in getting the family out of the residence and into their vehicle.
Officers then spoke with the homeowner, who stated that she had just gotten back from work and noticed the electricity was off in the house. She went on to tell officers that she then went upstairs to find smoke and fire coming from an outlet in her son’s room while trying to get everyone out of the house.
Captain Clennon indicated that all occupants of the residence were able to exit safely. Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy stated that the fire was electrical in nature, and he added that the fire caused approximately $15,000 in damage. The Austin Fire Department reminds people to check their smoke alarms and replace batteries if they didn’t with the time change, also to replace any alarm that is 10 years old, and to make sure they have a carbon monoxide alarm within 10 feet of every bedroom.