Font ResizeLAS CRUCES - Firefighters extinguished two separate residential structure fires early Monday morning in central and west Las Cruces.
The first house fire was reported just before 1:30 a.m. in the 1200-block of Chestnut Place. Initial arriving fire units reported smoke coming from the residence. Crews ensured that all occupants had evacuated and searched for the location of the fire. The fire was discovered in concealed spaces adjacent to a fireplace. The fire was immediately brought under control.
A properly installed and functioning smoke alarm alerted the occupant to the fire. The resident evacuated without incident. The fire was determined to be accidental in nature and a dollar loss has not been determined.
A second house fire was reported at 5 a.m. in the 1200 block of Ethel in west Las Cruces. The first arriving fire engine encountered flames and heavy smoke coming from the eaves and chimney. Crews attacked the fire and ventilated the roof. The fire was contained to the wall and ceiling adjacent to the chimney.
The occupants noticed smoke inside the residence and evacuated before calling 911. The investigator determined that this fire was accidental and originated in the wall surrounding the fireplace. One occupant was treated for respiratory difficulty and released on scene.
No firefighter injuries were reported in either incident.
