On Feb. 19 at approximately 12:33 a.m., the Midland Fire Department (MFD) responded to a structure fire at the 1200 block E. Wadley Ave. that left one person injured and 22 residents displaced.
According to a press release published by the Midland Fire Department, first responders deployed six engines to the apartment complex after receiving an emergency call, where the fire had engulfed eight apartment units. Firefighters worked for 3.5 hours to bring the fire under control, which was believed to have started from a cooking accident.
While responding to the fire, Midland Fire Department and Midland Police Department officials coordinated efforts to evacuate residents from the complex, according to the release. When the flames became controlled, the American Red Cross provided assistance to displaced residents in finding temporary housing solutions.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, as stated by Midland Fire Department officials.
The Midland Fire Department employs over 200 personnel and provides fire protection and emergency medical services to citizens and visitors to the city and county of Midland, according to its website. It operates 11 stations, covering more than 900 square miles. Each year, MFD responds to an increasing number of requests for assistance, with the majority of these calls pertaining to emergency medical services. In light of Midland's continuous growth, the fire department remains engaged in ongoing planning efforts to accommodate the expanding community.