Northwest Austin couple working to rebuild life after fire
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The couple work to rebuild life in northwest Austin after a fire
Austin firefighters rescued David McNeil from the second floor balcony. They helped him get to safety using a ladder.
Austin, Texas – A couple in northwest Austin struggle to rebuild their lives after an apartment fire over the weekend.
The fire ripped through a two-story apartment complex on Hunters Chase Drive early Sunday morning. Austin firefighters believe it was caused by improperly discarded smoking material.
“We see that all too often.” said department head Thayer Smith, who advises smokers to extinguish cigarettes in glasses with water or metal containers made specifically for extinguishing cigarettes.
Seven children and nine adults were displaced by the fire, including David and Andrea McNeil.
David McNeil was watching TV when he noticed smoke. He tried to go through his front door, but the flames were too high. He ran to his balcony and said, “My first concern was getting some air.”
16 displaced persons, 1 hospitalized in North Austin apartment fire
The Austin Fire Department says improperly disposed of smoking material is responsible for the fire.
Austin firefighters rescued McNeil from the balcony on the second floor and helped him to safety using a ladder. He was taken to St. David’s, treated for smoke inhalation, and released.
The McNeils stayed in a hotel for nearly a week before moving to a new unit on the grounds of Hunters Chase Drive.
“It was a nightmare … everything will go well and then your life will be turned upside down.” said McNeil.
The McNeils lost most of their property to the fire. David McNeil said they have some furniture but need linens, groceries, and basic groceries for the pantry. Your relative started a GoFundMe to help them rebuild:
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