VIDEO: The Tucson Fire Department released more information about the fire at Tucson House Apartments Monday night, August 4. The TFD says crews responded to the fire shortly after 8:00 p.m. and arrived to find fire on a 13th-floor balcony with flames spreading to the apartment above. The Tucson Fire Department says Ladder 1 attacked the fire and prevented extension to other apartments. The fire department called a second alarm due to fatigue and the need for additional resources to assist with mop-up. The building was not evacuated; instead, a protect-in-place order was issued for the majority of residents, including those on the fire floor, as the hallway was filled with hot smoke and there was no visibility.
โItโs often better to keep people in their rooms where theyโre safe and not exposed to the smoke and the elements,โ said Assistant Chief Paul Moore with the Tucson Fire Department. A few residents were evaluated for respiratory issues, but no one was transported. At least a dozen residents are displaced. The Red Cross was on scene to help with residentsโ needs. Anna Chanecka, director of the City of Tucsonโs Housing and Community Development department, said that her team relocated 14 Tucson House residents who were affected by the fire. โWe were helping residents, helping with evacuation, helping with communication, and then helping with relocation, and making sure everyone was transported and had a place to go who couldnโt go back to their units yesterday,โ said Chanecka.
