Apartment Building Destroyed, Hundreds Evacuated in TX Fire

According to a report from KVUE, hundreds of firefighters from more than 20 companies descended on a 50-acre, wind-blown brush fire that struck an apartment complex in Cedar Park, Texas, Tuesday.

The Cedar Park Police Department said upwards of 300 units from the Bexley at Silverado at 12820 W. Parmer Lane near Whitestone Boulevard were evacuated when flames from the fire ignited at the apartment complex.



As of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Texas A&M Forest Service‘s (TAMFS) incident viewer map shows the Parmer Lane Fire has burned around 50 acres and is now 60% contained. TAMFS said dozer crews have been making progress overnight by building a containment line. Engine crews are also working to protect other structures from ignition.

In addition to the 300 apartment units, 95 townhomes and several businesses were also evacuated.

Fire officials said one apartment building was a “total loss,” while three others sustained damaged.

Officials said fire crews were successful in protecting the nearby Whitestone Landing neighborhood from the flames, which began as a grass fire just after 6 p.m. Tuesday.



TAMFS was dispatched to assist with containment. Helicopters were seen dropping water on the fire.

There was one minor injury from the fire, according to City of Cedar Park and Williamson County officials, but there have been no major injuries.

As of 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, East Whitestone Boulevard was shut down in both directions between Toro Grande and Parmer Lane. Parmer Lane northbound remains closed.

Area residents are being told not to go to the area to take pictures or fly drones as as responders work.

RELATED

Wind-Driven Fire Research: Hazards and Tactics

Wind-Driven Structure Fires: Adjusting Tactics and Strategies

Wind-Driven Fires: Lessons Learned in Houston

Hand entrapped in rope gripper

Elevator Rescue: Rope Gripper Entrapment

Mike Dragonetti discusses operating safely while around a Rope Gripper and two methods of mitigating an entrapment situation.
Delta explosion

Two Workers Killed, Another Injured in Explosion at Atlanta Delta Air Lines Facility

Two workers were killed and another seriously injured in an explosion Tuesday at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near the Atlanta airport.