3‑Alarm Fire at Hillcrest Apartments Displaces 43 Residents, 16 Units Destroyed

A fierce 3‑alarm blaze tore through the Hillcrest Apartments in Fort Worth on Wednesday, destroying 16 units and displacing 43 residents. The rapid spread left many residents without homes.

The Fire

The incident began at approximately 8:14 a.m. when the Fort Worth Fire Department received calls about a fire on the 13000 block of Gazebo Lane. The first call was made to the department’s 911 line at that time.

First responders on scene immediately called a second alarm, and ten minutes later a third alarm was activated as the flames intensified. The rapid escalation required a large emergency response.

Neighbors reported panic as residents banged on doors to alert others. The building’s occupants were in a state of alarm.

NBC 5 received statements that people were trying to warn their neighbors amid the chaos. The neighborhood was filled with frantic activity.

Vanessa Richardson, a resident, said, “[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,” she told NBC 5. She noted that many occupants were safe despite the rapid spread.

Damage and Response

Fort Worth Fire Department public information officer Craig Trojacek confirmed that the fast‑moving flames destroyed 16 units at Hillcrest Apartments and displaced 43 residents. The damage assessment highlighted the scale of the loss.

Trojacek noted that sustained winds of 20 miles per hour, with gusts approaching 30 mph, accelerated the fire’s spread. The wind conditions were a major factor in the blaze’s rapid expansion.

He added, “It’s something that we’re already behind the curve when we’re battling the wind,” Trojacek said. This statement underscored the challenge faced by crews.

Mustak Ansari, an international student, expressed uncertainty after watching his home burn, saying, “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.” His comments reflected the personal impact of the loss.

No residents or pets were injured in the incident, though one firefighter sustained burns and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The firefighter received medical care for his injuries.

Trojacek reflected, “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,” he said. The emotional toll was evident even as safety was maintained.

The American Red Cross responded quickly, providing immediate needs to displaced residents by distributing blankets and toiletries on Wednesday. The supplies helped meet basic needs while residents awaited new housing.

Apartment management officials told NBC 5 that they are actively working to locate alternative units for those displaced by the fire. The management is coordinating with housing agencies to find suitable accommodations.

Nearly 100 firefighters responded to the blaze, coordinating efforts to contain the fire and protect neighboring buildings. The large number of responders reflected the severity of the incident.

From the initial call at 8:14 a.m. to the third alarm, the incident unfolded over a short period. The rapid escalation forced emergency crews to act decisively.

Richardson’s statement highlighted that many occupants were safe despite the rapid spread of flames. Her remarks underscored the fortunate outcome.

The incident underscores how quickly fire can spread under windy conditions and the importance of emergency preparedness. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by firefighters.

Additional Details

The incident was reported by the Fort Worth Fire Department as a 3‑alarm fire, indicating the scale of the emergency. The rapid escalation forced the department to deploy additional resources. Firefighters worked to protect neighboring buildings from the intense heat.

The Hillcrest Apartments complex, located on Gazebo Lane, has long been a residential hub for the community. The fire’s impact on the building’s structure was significant, with 16 units destroyed. Residents were forced to evacuate immediately, with many seeking temporary housing.

The wind conditions on the day of the fire were described as “20 miles per hour sustained winds with gusts approaching 30 mph” by Trojacek. Such winds can accelerate fire spread and complicate firefighting efforts. The department’s decision to call a third alarm reflected the urgency.

Residents like Vanessa Richardson expressed relief that no injuries occurred, but the emotional toll was evident. Richardson noted that the fire reached her side in about 15 minutes. She emphasized that many occupants were safe, a fortunate outcome.

The Red Cross’s immediate relief efforts included distributing blankets and toiletries to those displaced. These supplies helped meet basic needs while residents awaited new housing. Apartment management officials are coordinating with housing agencies to find alternative units.

Further Updates

The firefighter who sustained burns was transported to a hospital for treatment. Medical staff evaluated the injuries and provided necessary care. The incident highlighted the risks firefighters face during high‑wind fires.

The community’s response has been swift, with neighbors offering support to displaced residents. Local businesses have donated supplies to aid recovery efforts. The Red Cross’s presence has been a critical resource during the crisis.

Fort Worth Fire Department PIO Craig Trojacek emphasized that the fire’s rapid spread was due to wind conditions. He noted that the department was already behind the curve when battling the wind. This assessment underscores the challenges faced by emergency crews.

Residents expressed a range of emotions, from gratitude for safety to heartbreak over lost belongings. Mustak Ansari highlighted the personal impact, mentioning the loss of passports and documents. His comments reflect the broader uncertainty many displaced residents are experiencing.

Looking ahead, the community is focused on rebuilding and ensuring that safety measures are enhanced. Apartment management plans to review fire safety protocols. Officials are working with fire authorities to improve preparedness for future incidents.

Key Takeaways

• 3‑alarm fire destroyed 16 units and displaced 43 residents.
• Sustained winds of 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph accelerated the blaze.
• No injuries were reported, but a firefighter sustained burns.

With the blaze contained, the community is now focused on rebuilding and ensuring safer living conditions for those affected. The incident has prompted a review of fire safety protocols and a push for enhanced preparedness. Residents and officials are working together to prevent future tragedies.