VIDEO/PHOTOS: The Amarillo Fire Department released further information on a Saturday evening fire that impacted a commercial building, a vacant single-story convenience store, in the 4000 block of South Washington Street. According to department officials, crews responded to the area just before 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and observed heavy smoke conditions from the eaves and rear corner of the store.
Crews started an interior fire attack after forcing entry through a door. However, a “Mayday” was declared for three firefighters after they became disoriented due to high heat and zero visibility. The Rapid Intervention Team was deployed and escorted the firefighters back to safety. Due to the deteriorating conditions inside the building, including roof instability and extreme heat, the fire department moved to a defensive strategy to handle the fire. Firefighters used exterior handlines, ladders and aerial streams to bring the fire under control, though suppression efforts took longer to complete after a partial roof collapse limited safe access.
