At 8:14 a.m. a 3‑alarm blaze tore through Hillcrest Apartments in Fort Worth, destroying 16 units and forcing 43 residents out of their homes.
The Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) received the first call at approximately 8:14 a.m. about a fire on the 13000 block of Gazebo Lane, according to a statement from FWFD.
When first responders arrived on scene, they called a second alarm. Ten minutes later, a third alarm was called, escalating the response.
Neighbors told NBC 5 that people were banging on doors trying to alert others, as panic spread through the building.
Residents were forced to evacuate quickly; Vanessa Richardson only had time to grab her cat before the flames approached her bedroom.
“[The fire] came to my side of the building in about 15 minutes and it’s fortunate that a lot of people are fine. That everyone’s safe,” Richardson said.
Fort Worth Fire Department PIO Craig Trojacek reported that the fast‑moving flames destroyed 16 units at the Hillcrest Apartments and displaced 43 residents.
He added that the sustained 20‑mile‑per‑hour winds, with gusts closer to 30 mph, prompted crews to call for a third alarm.
Nearly 100 firefighters responded to the incident, working under challenging wind conditions.
“It’s something that we’re already behind the curve when we’re battling the wind,” Trojacek said.
No residents or pets were injured, but one firefighter sustained burns and was taken to the hospital.
“It’s always a good thing for us to report there are no injuries, but when you look around and see the people’s faces that are looking back at their homes and their personal items, it’s heartbreaking,” Trojacek said.
Mustak Ansari, an international student, expressed uncertainty after seeing his home burn.
“We are international students, my everything is there, my passport, my everything,” Ansari said. “We’re working here and our documents, basically, without a document, you are nothing here. I don’t know what we’re going to do.”
The Red Cross is providing immediate needs to displaced residents, distributing blankets and toiletries on Wednesday.
Apartment management is working to find other units for the displaced residents, according to a spokesperson who told NBC 5.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of apartment complexes to fast‑moving fires, especially when wind conditions are extreme.
The FWFD continues to investigate the cause of the blaze and will share findings once the investigation is complete.
Local authorities have urged residents to review their fire safety plans and ensure smoke detectors are functional.
Community members are gathering support for those affected, offering temporary housing and assistance with recovery.
The Hillcrest Apartments fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and swift emergency response.
In the wake of the blaze, the Fort Worth Fire Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting residents and mitigating future risks.
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