Homeowner, Three Dogs Killed in South Lubbock House Fire

LUBBOCK, TX — A house fire in South Lubbock on Wednesday night resulted in the death of one person and three dogs, according to Lubbock Fire Rescue.

Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 5:15 p.m. to a home near the 1600 block of 70th Street after 911 reports stated that someone might still be inside. Engine 8 was the first unit to arrive and found a small, single-story home with no visible smoke or flames.

An off-duty law enforcement officer, who is a relative of the homeowner, had already entered the structure and removed the occupant, bringing them into the front yard where they began life-saving efforts. Engine 17 and UMC EMS personnel took over patient care.

Despite resuscitation attempts, the homeowner was pronounced dead at the scene. Three dogs inside the home were also killed in the blaze.

Fire crews later found significant smoke and fire damage throughout the home. According to preliminary findings from the Lubbock Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire likely burned undetected for a long time before self-extinguishing. Investigators determined that a burning cigarette caused the fire.

Lubbock Fire Rescue reminds citizens of the importance of having working smoke detectors in every home and the risk of smoking indoors.

The department provides a free smoke detector program for residents. More information is available at: https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/fire-marshals-office/smoke-alarm-facts.