KILLEEN, Texas (February 11, 2024) – Killeen Firefighters put out a structure fire on the 1600 block of Van Zanten Drive after a general alarm call reported at 5:26 this morning. The first fire department unit arrived within four minutes and found fire coming from the roof of a two-story, four unit, multi family residence.
Fire crews confirmed everyone was safely evacuated from all units and there were no injuries.
The main part of the fire was confined to the attic and bedrooms on the second floor of two units. Crews were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes of arriving on scene and remained on scene for another 90 minutes to check for spot fires. Crews also performed salvage operations in two of the units in an attempt to save the remaining contents from any further fire or water damage.
Officials said the cause was a direct lightning strike to the building. Two of the four units were affected and determined to be uninhabitable. The two unaffected units are able to remain occupied. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
The Killeen Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Killeen Police Department, Killeen Fire Marshal’s office and the Killeen Code Enforcement division, with the total number of personnel on scene being 20, including three engines, one tower ladder, one ambulance, one rescue company, two battalion chiefs, and one EMS supervisor.