Two Fires Reported in Longview

LONGVIEW � Authorities offer details on two Longview fires. The more serious of the two was reported around 1:00 yesterday morning. That�s when the Longview Fire Department responded to Towne Oak Apartments at 2501 Eastman Road, Building 200, for an apartment fire involving both floors and the attic. On arrival, crews found heavy fire coming from the downstairs and upstairs of apartments 200A and 200B. Due to the amount of fire involvement, a second alarm was called for. This resulted in all equipment in the city except for one engine and one medic unit to be committed. Elderville, West Harrison and White Oak each sent an engine to back fill three of the fire stations that were at the fire.

Three of the occupants living in the building sustained minor injuries. Two were transported to local hospitals, and the third did not want to be transported. One firefighter was transported to Longview Regional ER for exhaustion and dehydration. All occupants were able to self evacuate, and at least 4 dogs and a cat escaped the fire. The apartment manager was working on finding available units to relocate the 7 families affected by the fire. Fire damaged two of the apartments heavily including the roof structure. The adjacent apartments sustained minor smoke and limited water damage as a result of a very aggressive fire attack for the fire crews on scene. The cause of the fire is unintentional as a result of improper handling of smoking material.

At or around 6:00 Monday evening, the Longview Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 424 South Fredonia Street. On arrival fire crews found fire in the walls and ceiling of the living room adjacent to the fireplace. The occupants had modified the original brick fire place by adding a metal box. Due to the modification, fire extended beyond the fire place causing the surrounding combustible materials to ignite. No injuries were reported at this fire. Damages are estimated at about $25,000.