Eight displaced by morning fire - 12 News KBMT and K-JAC. News, Weather and Sports for SE Texas

Eight displaced by morning fire

Eight people from three different families are displaced following a fire in Beaumont's south end Thursday morning.  The fire happened at a building located at 4540 Highland Ave. 

The call came into fire dispatch at 7:10 a.m. 

A news release issued by Beaumont Fire Rescue says the building was heavily involved with fire when firefighters arrived.  Due to the large structure and heavy volume of fire, a second alarm was called for at 7:22 to bring additional units and firefighters to the scene.  It took over an hour for firefighters to control the fire

The house is divided into three apartments.  Captain Brad Penisson tells 12 News he believes a total of 8 people lived in the building.  From talking with family members they were all able to get out safely.

A dog in a carrier was trapped inside the house and did not make it outside.

South Park Middle School provided a room for the occupants to get out of the weather and Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the families.

Captain Earl White told 12 News that from a preliminary investigation the fire appears to have started on the first floor in the rear of the building.  He says the structure appears to be about 50-60 years old making it easier to burn.  The home was a total loss.

It was later determined that the fire was ignited by a water heater in a closet at the rear of the structure.