Carson City firefighters rescue several animals at Airport Road apartment fire
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 01/28/2013 - 12:56pm
UPDATE 10:30PM: The apartment fire Monday afternoon at a complex off of Airport Road in Carson City was caused by a child playing with a lighter, Carson City Fire Chief Stacey Giomi confirmed. Flame from the lighter touched off blankets and the fire spread, he said.
UPDATE 2:29PM: Carson City Fire Chief Stacey Giomi reports no injuries and several animals rescued at a fire inside an apartment/townhome complex in the 3400 block of Airport Road.
At least two dogs, two cats, and some reptiles were taken out of the home by firefighters on the scene. It is unknown if any other animals were inside the complex, Giomi said.
The fire, reported shortly before 1 p.m. happened in a complex of six units with five of the units receiving damage.
The origin of the fire was believed to be in a downstairs unit, which had extensive flame and smoke damage, Giomi said. A second ground unit had smoke damage, while one upstairs unit had fire and smoke damage because the fire had gotten into the attic, Giomi said. Two additional upstairs units had some damage and a fourth unit wasn't affected, Giomi said.
Carson City Fire Department had three engines at the fire, and East Fork Fire Protection District also responded.
The cause of the fire has not been determined, Giomi said. A fire investigator was called.
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UPDATE 2PM: Carson City firefighters were called to a structure fire inside a townhome apartment complex in the 3400 block of Airport Road shortly before 1 p.m. Monday.
Early reports were that someone may have been trapped inside. All occupants appeared to be safely out of the home as fire crews arrived, however, several pets may have been inside the burning home.
The fire was inside a row of apartments in a large townhome housing complex. According to witnesses, several animals were inside the home including, including several kittens, a dog and three cats. Carson City firefighters and sheriff's deputies were not able to confirm this.
Airport Road is closed at Nye and College Parkway as firefighters are working on putting it out. Smoke was seen coming from the air vents on the second story floor, however, as of writing, no flames were visible. Firefighters had prepared to go inside the home to knock down the fire.
One witness, Lynn Rose, who lives near the home, said she smelled smoke and that she saw people help getting the family and small children out of the units.
Several fire engines were called to the working fire. Carson City Sheriff's officers are on scene for crowd control. Carson City Animal Services were also called.
