A large structure fire at Bottomley Evergreens & Farms in Alleghany County required the response of about 15 fire departments due to the lack of nearby fire hydrants; no injuries were reported, and investigators are looking into the cause.
Fritch, Texas volunteer fire chief Zeb Smith, who had been fighting the state's historic wildfires for over a week, died while responding to a structure fire unrelated to the wildfires. Smith, a dedicated public servant, was the first on the scene and tragically succumbed to his injuries despite emergency medical assistance. His death came as the wildfires burned over 1.1 million acres in Hutchinson County. Officials noted that Smith had not gotten much sleep while continuously fighting wildfires for nearly 10 days. Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later time.
Fritch Volunteer Fire Department Chief Zeb Smith died while responding to a structure fire, leaving behind a legacy of community service and leadership. Governor Abbott and TDEM Chief Nim Kidd expressed condolences, highlighting Smith's heroism. The department, actively fighting wildfires, mourns the loss of a dedicated firefighter and leader.
The Austin Fire Department is responding to a structure fire in the 4900 block of South Congress Avenue, with smoke and products of combustion coming out of the affected vacant building. No injuries have been reported, and firefighters are currently in defensive mode, retreating from inside the structure to try and put the fire out from the outside. Portions of the roadway are closed, and people are advised to avoid the area with delays expected for the foreseeable future.
The Missoula Fire Department responded to a structure fire near the University of Montana Golf Course on Yreka Court, and crews were able to knock down the fire in about an hour. Officials asked people to stay clear from the area to allow the crews to respond.
A University of Montana-owned apartment building in Missoula was heavily damaged by a fire on Monday morning, leading to evacuations and a significant fire and police presence in the area. The fire caused smoke and water damage to surrounding units, and although everyone in the affected unit was accounted for, a dog died in the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, and a section of South Avenue East near the UM golf course has reopened to traffic.
Roanoke Fire-EMS crews are currently working to extinguish a structure fire on Dale Avenue Southeast in Roanoke City. Officials have asked the public to avoid the area, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
A large structure fire engulfed the lumberyard of rk MILES in Montpelier's downtown district, causing the building to be a total loss. Firefighters battled the flames, which were described as hot, rapidly moving, and wind-driven. The fire destroyed a fire engine and caused explosions due to propane tanks, a transformer, and tires on the fire truck. Nearby structures, including the Hunger Mountain Co-op and Clar Construction, were saved from major damage. No injuries were reported, and power was fully restored by Thursday morning. This fire comes after a major flood and another recent fire in Montpelier's downtown area, causing significant losses for the city.
Washington Street East in Charleston, West Virginia, is closed as firefighters battle a structure fire in the 1200 block. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
A massive structure fire has blocked traffic lanes on State Highway 191 in Crittenden County, Arkansas. The fire occurred at a distribution center near West Memphis, and no injuries have been reported. The West Memphis Fire Department is urging people to avoid the area and will provide updates on the situation.
A large structure fire is currently ongoing in a commercial building near Cooper Street in Jackson, Michigan. The city is urging the public to avoid the area due to potential breathing and health hazards. Firefighters are on the scene and it may take several hours to bring the situation under control.
W. Kawailani St. in Hilo, Hawai'i, is closed between Kinoole St. and Kimo Pl. for the next four hours due to a structure fire. Motorists are advised to use a detour along Haihai St.
Multiple fire departments, including Austin, Cedar Park, Lake Travis, and Pflugerville, responded to a two-alarm structure fire in Point Venture, Travis County. The fire was fully involved, and crews were battling it with high winds. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The situation is still ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
A structure fire in Kill Devil Hills resulted in three fatalities and three injuries. The fire, which engulfed a home on North Virginia Dare Trail, was extinguished and contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation by local and state authorities.