AUSTIN, Texas — An overnight fire at a southeast Austin apartment complex left three children dead, sent three other residents to the hospital, and injured an Austin firefighter, forcing dozens of people from their homes as investigators work to determine what caused the blaze.
First responders evacuated the entire complex early this morning, leaving some residents scrambling to find a place to stay.
Scott Lewis, who lives at the complex, said he and his family woke up to first responders pounding on their door and shouting warnings.
“Nothing but smoke. That side to the other side, I couldn’t really see across,” Lewis said when asked what he saw after coming outside.
“Like, not just knocking but like wake up. Boom, boom, boom, get out of here,” he said.
The fire happened at an apartment complex on Burleson Road near East Oltorf Street in southeast Austin. One unit was left with burn marks, water damage, and shattered windows.
ALSO| 3 children die in Southeast Austin apartment fire; 3 others hospitalized
Austin Fire said three children died in the fire. Two adults and another child were taken to the hospital for treatment. The Austin Firefighters Association said 30 people were displaced and that a firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling the flames.
“That’s just devastating to lose children. I couldn’t even imagine,” Lewis said.
As the investigation continues, Austin Fire officials also pointed to city code requirements for smoke alarms in multiple areas of a living space.
“We like for smoke detectors to be inside of any hallway that’s leading up to bedrooms, and every bedroom that is occupied,” said Capt. Sean Cummings of the Austin Fire Department.
Lewis said he has a smoke alarm in each room, but he could not say whether he heard it during the emergency.
“It happened so fast, I couldn’t even tell you if I heard anything or not,” he said.
Lewis said his family spent the night in a hotel, but that it is not a long-term solution. He said he is also looking to move.
“I just need shelter, food, and clean clothes. Things of that nature for however long this takes,” Lewis said.
Austin Fire has not given residents a timeline for when they can return home.