Abilene, Texas — A late-night house fire in Abilene left a home heavily damaged and prompted neighbors to rush in to help get pets and nearby residents to safety.
A late-night house fire in Abilene left a home heavily damaged and prompted neighbors to rush in to help get pets and nearby residents to safety. (KTXS/ Tavish Leffall)
The fire broke out late Thursday night in the 1000 block of South Bowie Street. When fire crews arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the front of a small home.
The Abilene Fire Department worked to put out the flames, including firefighters positioned on the roof using a water hose to battle the fire.
When fire crews arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the front of a small home. (KTXS/ Tavish Leffall)
The homeowner declined to speak on camera but said he is still grappling with the damage left behind after the fire tore through his home. He said he was grateful he was at his mother’s house when the fire started and thankful neighbors helped get his pets out safely.
Neighbor Alexander Estrada said he and his wife first noticed the fire while returning home. (KTXS/ Tavish Leffall)
Neighbor Alexander Estrada said he and his wife first noticed the fire while returning home.
“We were coming back from Little Caesars getting some pizza. My wife noticed it first and asked me if there was a fire. I had to double check because I wasn’t expecting it,” Estrada said.
Estrada said they rushed over once they realized what was happening.
“Sure enough, there was. The front of the house was already in flames. So we hurried up and parked, and our neighbor was inside asleep,” he said. (KTXS/ Tavish Leffall)
“Sure enough, there was. The front of the house was already in flames. So we hurried up and parked, and our neighbor was inside asleep,” he said.
After helping get the homeowner’s dog out and learning the owner was not home, Estrada said his next concern was the house next door, where a deaf neighbor was still inside as flames threatened to spread.
“We started banging on the door trying to get his attention, but we couldn’t because he’s deaf. So we had to kick his window in,” Estrada said. (KTXS/ Tavish Leffall)
“We started banging on the door trying to get his attention, but we couldn’t because he’s deaf. So we had to kick his window in,” Estrada said.
Estrada said he helped because, “I want somebody to do it for me, too.”
In the aftermath, charred debris was left outside the home, the front door was scorched, and damage was visible throughout the front of the house. (KTXS/ Tavish Leffall)
In the aftermath, charred debris was left outside the home, the front door was scorched, and damage was visible throughout the front of the house.
The Abilene Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical issue. The Abilene Fire Department estimated the damage at $80,000. (KTXS/ Tavish Leffall)
The Abilene Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical issue. The Abilene Fire Department estimated the damage at $80,000.
