EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/ CBS4) — Fire crews responded to a blaze at a vacant multi-family residence located at the intersection of Octavia and Yandel at approximately 6:21 a.m. Monday morning.
According to officials, the structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters conducted a thorough search of all three levels of the building and confirmed that no victims were inside.
El Paso fire crews battle early morning house fire near Octavia and Yandell in Central El Paso (CREDIT: TxDOT)
A total of 17 units and 41 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The incident was initially classified as a Condition 2 fire but was later upgraded to a more severe Condition 3 as crews encountered flames spreading across multiple levels, including the first floor, second floor, and attic.
Fire officials noted that the blaze was particularly intense in the attic, which limited access for crews and contributed to the complexity of the operation. In order to better contain the fire, firefighters were forced to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate heat and smoke.
The fire was brought under control in approximately 35 minutes.
Authorities stated that the building had electrical service but no gas utilities. El Paso Electric personnel responded to the scene to secure power to the structure.
While questions were raised at the scene regarding whether the building had been condemned, officials did not confirm its status.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
El Paso fire crews battle early morning house fire near Octavia and Yandell in Central El Paso (CREDIT: TXDOT)
No other details were available.
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