Fire Damages Apartments In East El Paso

A fire ripped through an apartment complex late Monday evening on El Paso’s east side, according to El Paso Fire Department officials.

Officials said about 40 firefighters were sent to the San Mateo Apartments at 9300 Viscount Blvd. just after 9 p.m. after a resident called 911 to report the fire.

Fire crews said they saw flames coming out of the chimney of one of the second-story bedrooms.

When firefighters entered the apartment, they found the fire had spread from the chimney to the attic of the building. Crews were able quickly extinguish the fire and stop the spread of the flames to the rest of the building.

Officials said one man was in the unit when the fire started, but he was able to get out of the apartment safely.

No injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross of El Paso was at the complex to help two families who were displaced from their homes.

An investigation revealed the fire started in the fireplace and spread to the chimney. Damage is estimated at $50,000.

EPFD officials wanted to remind El Pasoans that all home heating systems, including fireplaces and chimneys, need to be properly maintained to make sure they remain safe for use.

Here are a few tips to keep your home safe:

? Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist. ? Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials. ? Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door. ? Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures. ? Never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire. ? Smoke alarms must be installed on every level of your home, and inside and outside bedrooms. Remember to test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.