AUSTIN, TX. — On November 05, 2019, Travis County Fire Rescue (TCFR) and the Austin Fire Department (AFD) responded to a reported structural fire on Tom Sassman Road. The first due engine (Engine 1102) arrived at the scene at approximately 04:14 p.m. and reported fire through the roof and declared an offensive operation as a property priority fire. Interior crews encountered heavy fire conditions and the fire was brought under control approximately an hour later.
The fire incident caused a total loss of the property, leaving behind a structurally compromised skeleton of the structure. The incident is currently under investigation by the Travis County Fire Marshall’s Office.
On November 06, 2019, TCFR and AFD responded to a second fire incident at the same location at approximately 05:23 a.m.
The second incident appears to have originated in an interior wall near the rear of the structure. However, due to the initial loss caused by the first incident, it is unclear the exact origin of the second fire.
This is a unique circumstance because the structure consisted of two buildings pushed together causing void spaces between the walls, which can create a path for fire and smoke to travel. It is believed that even after an extensive overhaul of the original fire that embers remained in a void space that caused a rekindle in the early morning hours of November 6, 2019. An internal review of our current policies, related to overhauling, is taking place so that incidents like this can be avoided in the future.
Part of taking our job seriously and maintaining the public's trust is also acknowledging our failures. We strive every day to live up to our mission, which is to serve and protect the citizens of southeast Travis County.
No civilians or firefighters were harmed by the fire incidents.
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