AUSTIN — Austin Fire Department responded to a house fire this morning on Zeller Lane near IH-35 and Parmer Lane, which eventually led to a second house fire.
The home was considered a total loss and three people who were living in the home are now displaced. Their dog that was in the home and is still missing.
Crews said the 30-40 mph winds created an immediate concern for fires to homes on either side, and eventually, one of the neighboring homes did experience minor damage due to a small fire caused from an ember that landed on the roof, according to Austin Fire Department.
A tweet this morning from the fire department stated firefighters were on the defensive due to the amount of fire.
Thankfully everyone from inside the home reportedly made it out, but one pet was reported to still be inside the home.
Firefighters have been met with an additional challenge with this fire, as high winds have fed the fire, but firefighters are reporting they have been able to keep the fire contained to the one home.
Around 8:20 a.m. on Friday firefighters said they were still working on the fire, but they had thankfully gotten it more under control. With wind still being an issue, more units were sent to the neighborhood to be sure other fires aren't started by other embers.
The home is considered a total loss and the family is now getting assistance from the Red Cross. The cause of the fire is still undetermined.
Around 9:30 a.m. after getting the original fire under control, embers may have spread the fire to a neighboring home. Crews worked to control this fire as well.
Fire crews will be standing by for the next several hours in case hot spots reignite.
We will keep you updated on this story as more information becomes available.