Strong winds in Austin area contribute to multiple structure fires

Saturday, January 15 was a busy day for the Austin Fire Department due to strong winds which meant a high fire danger. Officials say when Austin is under red flag warnings, the winds create dangerous conditions. 

Just before 7 a.m., AFD responded to an apartment fire on Elmont. Officials say it happened after a barbecue grill tipped over and ashes fell out. Several people to leave their homes because of the fire.

Shortly after, firefighters were called to a house fire on Porter Street. AFD says improperly discarded smoking materials was the cause of that fire and five people were left without a home.

Lt. Steve Gibbon with Austin Fire Wildfire Division says, "There's a lot of things that people can do. You know, it's the, you know, the simple things like you know, don't throw your cigarettes out the window. Don't park a hot car and dry grass. Avoid mowing your yard today. If you're worried about rocks, you know, striking rocks, sparks from that. And dragging chains behind a car is a very common start for fires."

In addition to responding to multiple fires, AFD brought in extra staff to help handle an increase in calls.

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