Texas Crews Use Defensive Attack at Duplex Fire

June 2, 2013
Firefighters fought the blaze defensively from outside the structure and at one point called for more manpower.

June 02--A white plume of smoke was visible from 34th Street and Avenue Q Saturday evening, June 1, as Lubbock firefighters battled a blaze at a duplex in the 3000 block of 35th Street while onlookers formed an audience across the street.

An emotional LaTrisha Houston said she had just returned home from work when she saw that her new home was on fire. She and her husband, Tim Finch, just moved to the area about a month ago.

Houston was distraught because she paid her rent Friday, May 31.

"What are they gonna do," said Denetria Green, Houston's mother.

Green said she is thankful that "her baby" wasn't injured in the fire because she wouldn't know how to handle her daughter being injured or worse.

The fire was reported about 7:30 p.m. and the Fire Marshal's Office did not expect to have any information to release until today, June 2.

Firefighters fought the blaze defensively from outside the structure and at one point called for more manpower. Red-faced firefighters consumed numerous bottles of water throughout the nearly hourlong ordeal.

Green said a neighbor told her the couple who lives on the other side of the duplex were arguing shortly before the fire was visible.

Donations for Houston and Finch can dropped off at New Zion Baptist Church at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 16th Street. They have no children, Green said.

[email protected] -- 766-2159

Follow Jennifer on Twitter @ the_scoop78

Copyright 2013 - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!