BEDFORD, Texas - Firefighters from Bedford and surrounding cities battled a second-alarm apartment fire early January 8 that tore through a two-story building on Oak Creek Lane, damaging multiple units but causing no injuries, officials said.
Bedford Fire Department crews were dispatched after 911 callers reported an apartment fire in the 1600 block of Oak Creek Lane. Automatic mutual aid was requested from the Euless Fire Department. As crews responded, firefighters reported seeing a visible header of smoke from a distance.
Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire and smoke coming from a second-floor balcony and extending into the roof of the building. Due to the intensity of the blaze, Battalion 15 requested a second alarm, bringing in additional resources.
Truck 154 crews began primary searches of the apartments to ensure all occupants were accounted for, while Engine 153 initiated an interior fire attack from the A side of the building. Engine 152 simultaneously conducted an exterior attack on the balcony fire from the C side.
Additional firefighters from Colleyville, Grapevine, Hurst, and Southlake responded to the scene, with some units backfilling Bedford Station 1 to maintain citywide coverage. Truck 154 positioned its aerial ladder in preparation for a defensive operation, but it was ultimately not needed due to the rapid progress made by crews attacking the fire from inside and outside the building.
Several pets were rescued during the incident, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Officers with the Bedford and Euless police departments assisted along with animal services, code enforcement, and the American Red Cross, which provided aid to displaced residents.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials said their thoughts are with the Bedford residents affected by the blaze as recovery efforts begin.
