Structure on Mill St. in Brownsdale destroyed by fire Tuesday

A structure on Mill Street North in Brownsdale is being considered a total loss after being destroyed in a fire Tuesday.

The Brownsdale Fire Department first responded to the report of a structure fire at 311 Mill St. North at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.  Chief David Pike stated in a news release that the call had been placed by occupants of the property.  Initial reports were that the fire was in the area of the chimney and was causing heavy smoke. 

While responding to the scene, Chief Pike stated that assistance was requested from the Austin Fire Department for additional manpower.  When fire crews arrived on the scene, it was confirmed that the northern portion of the structure was smoking heavily, and flames were showing from the roof area around the chimney.  Firefighters made entry and were able to bring the fire under control.  Chief Pike stated that fire was extinguished at approximately 5:30 P.M., and he went on to state that salvage and overhaul operations continued until approximately 8:00 P.M. Tuesday evening.  Pike noted that the damage was isolated to the single building and other structures were not affected.

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported, as Chief Pike stated that everyone previously inside the structure had made their way out prior to fire department arrival. The entire structure and its contents are being considered a total loss, and Pike stated that the dollar loss in terms of damage is unknown currently as is the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation by the Brownsdale Fire Department.