A fast-moving fire broke out Tuesday morning at the Laurel Flats apartment complex in Tyler, Texas, leaving two residents hospitalized for smoke inhalation and requiring a bystander rescue, according to the Tyler Fire Department. Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Lee stated that the blaze, reported at 10:24 a.m., is believed to have originated in a malfunctioning power strip inside a unit in the 1200 block of East Houston Street.
Rescue Effort at Laurel Flats Apartment Complex
During the incident, a 27-year-old woman entered the burning building to rescue a 67-year-old woman who uses a wheelchair, according to Tyler Fire Department officials. Both women were transported to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. A 37-year-old man, identified as the son of the wheelchair-bound resident, was also inside the apartment at the time of the fire but refused medical treatment, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Lee.
Tyler Fire Marshal Joey Hooton praised the unidentified rescuer’s swift response. “That’s the perfect citizen going above and beyond to help someone out in a time of need,” Hooton said, according to KLTV. Fire crews arrived at the scene three minutes after dispatch and contained the flames before the fire could spread to adjacent units.
Cause and Extent of the Tyler Electrical Fire
Investigators believe that the fire was sparked by a malfunctioning power strip, pointing to burn marks discovered near an electrical panel on the apartment wall, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Lee. Neighbor Devin Pinkerton observed emergency responders arriving at the complex and noted that prompt action by firefighters kept structural damage localized. “I thought somebody was, I thought it was going to be bad,” Pinkerton said, according to KLTV. “But I think they got somebody else. I thought it would be worse than it was. They were moving pretty fast and pretty quick.”
Keep reading