San Angelo Firefighters Save an Area Residence from Complete Destruction

San Angelo firefighters are in the process of battling a fire at 2105 Shelton St. in north San Angelo.

At just before noon today, emergency responders were notified of a structure fire on Shelton, and upon arrival and investigating the scene, SAFD officials believe the fire started in the attic, but it's still under investigation.

The Fire Marshal's Office has been called out to the location, and firefighters continue to fight the flames. 

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This is a breaking story, and more information will be updated as received.

Update at 12:58 p.m.

Karla Steppe with the Fire Marshal's Office has arrived on the scene of the fire. Officials also said AEP has disconnected power to the structure as firefighters attempt to contain the flames. 

Update at 1:16 p.m.

SAFD firefighters have contained the fire, but Shelton Street remains closed. 

Steppe with the Fire Marshal's Office continues to investigate the scene.

Additionally, officials have called the Red Cross out to the location.

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Update at 1:26 p.m.

Scott Farris, assistant chief of operations with SAFD, said SAFD was called out at approximately 12 p.m. this afternoon for a structure fire in the 2100 block of Shelton St.

"When we arrived, there was moderate smoke coming out of the attic space," Farris said. "We made our initial attack indoors. We were met with heavy smoke in about the center of the building, which pushed us back a little ways."

Farris said firefighters then engaged in an exterior attack that went on the defensive due to the nature of the fire being in the attic.

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"We had trouble accessing the attic," Farris said. Firefighters had this issue because of the construction. Once they got the fire out from the outside, firefighters are doing an "overhaul" to put out all the hotspots that they may not be able to get to without knocking down walls inside the building.

"I would say about 70 percent of the building is damaged," Farris added. There's also heavy heat, smoke and water damage as well. 

Right now, the home is not livable, but the structure is still sound to where it can be gutted and redone.

"The commander on the scene has made the decision that we have a pretty sound structure," Farris said.

When the fire started, three of the four people who reside at the residence were inside the home.

Farris said, "They all were all exiting the house when arrived here. We moved them to a warm spot if you will. The neighbors came and took them in, which really helped us out."

One firefighter, during the battle of the flames, did sustain unverified injuries and was transported to one of the area hospitals, Farris stated.

"I believe it might be overheating or exhaustion, but I don't want to speculate on that right now," Farris said.

Farris said the start of the fire is still under investigation until further notice; however, the center of the home remains the focus because of the level of heat exposure.

There is a church close to the residence, but there was no damage to it, Farris confirmed.