Massive house fire under investigation in Central El Paso

UPDATE By KVIA Intern Lindsey Resignato

54 Firefighters battled a massive blaze that engulfed two homes early Friday morning on the 1500 block of Golden Hill Terrace.

El Paso fire Department units arrived at approximately 2:02 a.m. and began fighting the fire and searched the house for inhabitants. Additional units were requested by the Incident Commander after the fire spread to a second house.

Firefighters safely evacuated two occupants, fire officials said. A firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to an area hospital and later released.

At this time, the cause of the fire and estimated damage are pending the result of the investigation.

A total of 20 units and 54 firefighters responded to the incident.

The El Paso Fire Department would like to remind the general public that the Fire Prevention Division provides free smoke alarms. An early warning from a smoke alarm can provide valuable time to evacuate during a house fire.

To sign up for the program, please dial 3-1-1 or visit epfire.org

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

A firefighter is being treated for injuries sustained while fighting a massive fire that engulfed an empty house and spread to a second home in Central El Paso.

Fire crews were called to the 1500 block of Golden Hill Terrace near Arizona Avenue and Cotton Street just after 2 a.m. The fire is now under control, according to a tweet from the EPFD.

Authorities said the firefighter hurt his ankle and was taken to UMC. Two people were evacuated from the second home safely.

Shortly after the fire broke out, crews were forced to call for backup. A total of 20 units and 54 personnel were on the scene.

At one point, the flames were visible to drivers south of the fire on Interstate 10 headed through Downtown El Paso, and the smoke was seen blowing over the freeway.

Firefighters safely rescued a couple from the second home that caught fire.