25 people affected by large south Austin apartment complex fire

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Fire crews have a three-alarm fire under control at an apartment complex in south Austin Thursday morning.

Crews were called to the Cannon South Apartments on West William Cannon Drive near South Congress Avenue just after 3:15 a.m. after residents called 911 about the fire.

AFD said the fire started on a corner balcony and grew to two connected buildings. Flames could be seen billowing out of the top of the main building that faces William Cannon.

The American Red Cross Central Texas chapter said 25 people were displaced from 21 apartment units after the fire.

"Our dedicated caseworkers are currently working with the affected individuals and families, initiating cases to provide crucial support in their recovery journey," the Red Cross said.

The Red Cross said anyone who may have left the complex and needs help can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Austin Police officers were first to arrive on the scene and began evacuating residents as fast as they could, according to Austin Assistant Fire Chief Andre de la Reza. Fire crews showed up minutes after and began "blitzing" the fire from the outside, which means they attacked the flames with large amounts of water to allow firefighters to go inside.

All residents were safely evacuated from the multiple buildings throughout the apartment complex and only one person was reported injured and suffering from smoke inhalation. That person refused to be taken to the hospital, according to the fire department.

In total, more than 80 firefighters were fighting the blaze. That included 12 fire engines and six aerial devices.

Assistant Chief de la Reza noted there were no active reports of smoke detectors going where the fire originated, which was a balcony on building six. He said there could be many reasons for that happening, but officials will not know more until they can get inside and start their investigation.

Residents who live in buildings not affected by the fire are starting to be released back to their homes. CapMetro sent buses to the fire for residents who were displaced.