Fire destroys house in Central El Paso

A home on the 2700 block of San Diego in Central El Paso was completely destroyed after a fire Friday.

No injuries were reported due to the fire, and fire officials reported the home appeared to be vacant.

About 18 units and 48 firefighters responded to the house fire that started just after 12:07 p.m.

According to fire officials, the home was a complete loss. Damages are estimated at around $55,000.

The fire also spread to a neighboring home to the left. The result was a charred side panneling and shattered windows, fire officials said. That home is estimated to have sustained $10,000 worth of damage.

An elderly woman lived in the neighboring home. Fire officials said she was not home at the time of the blaze, and would be staying with a family member while the home was repaired.

The home to the right of the burned house only sustained a few cracked windows, and a burned tree.

That neighbor told ABC-7 he saw the smoke from the 5-Points area. He immediately drove home, and was terrified at the prospect of his house burning to the ground, he said.

While he said he was happy his home was not damaged, he said he felt bad for his neighbors.

Fire officials said they recieved more than 13 phone calls to 911 regarding the fire.

Due to the extensive damage, the home was considered unstable and firefighters were not allowed to enter the property. As a result, investigators have not determined the origin of the fire.

The investigation continues.

According to the fire department, the City’s Building Permits and Inspection office considers the home condemned. Steps to remove the charred remains will commence next Monday, officials said.

Check kvia.com for more details as they become available.