A large fire broke out at a new billion-dollar mixed-use development in Rowlett over the weekend.
The Rowlett Fire Department responded to multiple reports of flames at The View apartments in the Sapphire Bay development on December 15. The department received these reports in the evening, around 8:30 p.m., according to a press release.
Upon arrival at the site, firefighters discovered a “large body of fire” on the roof of the five-story structure. They upgraded the situation from a two-alarm fire to a three-alarm fire, requiring the assistance of other fire departments in the area.
Fire departments from Dallas, Mesquite, Sachse, Richardson, Garland, and more arrived to assist the Rowlett Fire Department, according to NBC 5 DFW. Fire personnel remained at the site to monitor for several hours after the blaze was finally subdued.
The next afternoon, the department reported that the fire had been “mostly contained” and that personnel were continuing to monitor the area. A photo captured of the structure captured on Saturday showed smoke trailing from it as it continued to smolder.
“Drones are being utilized to identify heat signatures which is assisting in locating smoldering areas. Crews will continue to remain on scene and the public should continue to avoid the area,” said the department in its December 16 update. “No injuries have been reported.”
The apartment complex was under construction at the time of the fire. Rowlett Fire Chief Neil Howard told NBC 5 that the fact that the structure had been unoccupied was good and bad. No one was hurt because the building was unoccupied, but “… there was nobody here to notice the fire until motorists alerted us that there was an incident,” said Howard, per NBC 5.
Howard said the building had been nearly ready for occupancy, noting that the department had recently tested the building’s sprinkler system. Officials said they believe the fire began in the attic, but an investigation will be conducted.
Marc English, president of Sapphire Bay Land Development, said that the move-in date for residents, originally targeted for the middle of January, is currently uncertain. The blaze is not expected to impact the continuing development of other projects in the area.
