Smoke detectors are credited with saving the lives of two people from an apartment fire on Hiram Brandon Drive Tuesday, Dec. 20, Fire Marshal Dan Shook said.
Bay City Volunteer Fire Department and Bay City Police Department were sent to an apartment fire at 4408 Hiram Brandon, building E unit No. 34.
First responding units arriving at about 8:13 a.m. identified heavy smoke and flame showing from the apartment and spreading to the attic, Shook said.
Assistance was received from the Markham and Van Vleck fire departments, the fire marshal said.
The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes, he added.
The fire damaged the apartment and common attic space for Building E.
Smoke damage occurred in adjacent apartments.
Damage to the structure and adjacent properties was estimated to be about $40,000.
The fire cause is listed as electrical in the apartment’s dining room.
An 18-year-old male and 20-year-old female were asleep at the time of the fire.
The smoke detectors in the residence alerted both people of the fire, and they were able to evacuate with only minor injuries, Shook said.
Both were taken by Matagorda County EMS to the Matagorda Regional Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment.
Had there not been working smoke detectors, the outcome could have been much worse, Shook said.
He reminded residents to have working smoke detectors and to test them monthly and change the batteries annually.
