Fast moving flames gutted part of a condominium complex in East Dallas on Saturday, leaving residents displaced.
Witnesses told NBC 5 they initially spotted smoke and flames coming from a top-floor balcony at The Gastonian at the corner of Gaston Avenue and N. Carroll.
Dallas Fire-Rescue said units were dispatched at 2:42 p.m. after the first 911 call. Nearly 50 firefighters responded before the blaze was declared extinguished at 3:56 p.m. At one point, DFR requested a second alarm and firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building.
Stefan Nelson said he left his unit for a few minutes to walk to the store, and when he returned, the place was on fire.
It’s the second time he’s lost everything. He said he also lost his home in a fire in Duncanville a few years ago.
“I’m just blessed that I’m alive. I’m here to see another day. So one step at a time, and I’m just going to figure it out. Just got to figure it out,” Nelson said.
Courtney Bryant rushed home from work to save her French bulldog, Charles. He’s okay, but their home is no longer livable due to smoke and water damage.
“I’m trying to hold it together, but at the end of the day, God has something better in store. It’ll work out,” Bryant said.
DFR said everyone inside the complex escaped unharmed. Two firefighters were taken to the hospital for minor issues and are expected to be okay.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The American Red Cross was on scene to assist residents.