A firefighter was hospitalized and a second firefighter was treated for heat-related issues Monday after crews battled a difficult Terrell house fire where teenagers helped an elderly woman and her dog escape, officials said.
Terrell 911 received a report of a house fire at 708 North Frances Street at 4:32 p.m., according to the College Mound Fire Department. The City of Terrell Fire Department and Terrell Volunteer Fire Department responded.
First-arriving crews found heavy fire and smoke coming from the rear of a one-story home. The fire had spread into the attic and continued moving through the structure.
Teens Help Woman Escape
A group of teenagers noticed the fire, called 911, forced entry into the home, and helped an elderly woman and her dog escape safely, according to fire officials.
Neither the woman nor the dog was injured.
The woman shares the home with her adult son but was alone when the fire broke out. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
Firefighters Battle Heat, Heavy Flames
Firefighters began an interior attack, but heavy fire conditions forced them outside. Crews continued battling the blaze from the exterior as afternoon heat created dangerous conditions on the fireground.
One firefighter fell ill outside the structure because of the high temperature. CareFlite medics transported him to a local hospital, and officials said he was recovering.
A second firefighter suffered heat-related issues, received treatment at the scene, and returned to work.
Additional assistance came from the Forney, Kaufman, College Mound, and Elmo fire departments.
Firefighters remained at the scene for at least three hours, overhauling the home and putting out hot spots.
Investigators are working to determine what caused the fire.
