LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to a house fire near the 4400 block of 77th Street just before 6 p.m. Sunday after an alarm company reported a residential fire alarm activation.
Approximately 30 seconds later, a 911 call was received from the same residence reporting a fire near the rear of the home. The incident was upgraded to a structure fire, prompting additional units and personnel to respond.
LFR said first-arriving crews encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions coming from the rear of the residence. Firefighters initiated an interior fire attack while Truck 17 began primary search operations. Crews reported that the fire had extended into the attic, making access difficult.
Water supply disrupted
While operating inside the structure, the supply hose line connecting the first-arriving engine to a nearby fire hydrant ruptured, resulting in a temporary loss of water for interior crews. At the same time, the roof began to rapidly deteriorate, indicating a potential collapse. The Incident Commander ordered an immediate evacuation of all personnel from the structure until the water supply could be restored.
Once the hose line was replaced, crews transitioned to defensive operations to bring the bulk of the fire under control. After conditions improved, firefighters re-entered the structure to extinguish remaining hot spots.
One firefighter was transported by UMC for heat exhaustion. That firefighter is expected to be released soon.
Fire originated from repair work
The Lubbock Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the incident and determined the fire originated near a faucet that had been repaired earlier in the day. Investigators believe heat from a torch used during the repair ignited an ember inside the wall, allowing the fire to smolder undetected before spreading into the wall and attic.
Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to safely evacuate the home. Lubbock Fire Rescue reminds all residents to ensure their homes are equipped with properly functioning smoke detectors.
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