Cause Determined For Fire In Central El Paso

UPDATE: 9.19.07

EL PASO, TX. – El Paso Fire Department dispatched 18 units and over 16 firefighters responded to a structure fire at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night at the 2400 block of E. Yandell.

The first units on the scene reported heavy smoke and flames coming from a trailer adjacent to the building. The fire soon spread to the building and due to the deteriorating condition of the building, firefighters were soon ordered out for fear ofcollapse.

The fire was brought under control at about 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday morning and there were no reports of injuries to firefighters nor nearby residents. Fire investigators determined that the fire began at the rear of the trailer from food left unattended in a toaster oven connected to a makeshift electrical hook-up. Investigators found evidence of transients living underneath the trailer.

The building was deemed a total loss and damages are estimated to be about $85,000.