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West Campus fire sends one to hospital
An early morning fire at a West Campus residential complex has sent one person to the hospital and displaced four residents, according to an Austin fire official.
The fire broke out about 5:30 a.m. on a fifth-floor balcony at a residential complex at 904 W. 22½ Street near West 24th Street, said Lt. Randy Elmore.
The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes and was limited to the balcony area of the apartment, thanks to sprinkler activation and firefighters, Elmore said.
One person suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge, Elmore said.
Improperly discarded smoking materials started the fire, which spread to patio furniture and subsequently to exterior siding of the building, Elmore said.
“If you are going to smoke, make sure you put it out,” he said.
Other units saw water damage, Elmore said. Damage was estimated at $30,000, he said.
Residents were evacuated as fire was extinguished, Elmore said, but have since been let back in.
The displaced residents would be assisted by property management to locate temporary housing.
