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South Memphis Fire: 3-Story House Engulfs in Flames

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 11:29 GMT by FOX13 Memphis

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Firefighters Battle House Fire in South Memphis – A Detailed Look

On the afternoon of Saturday, August 11, a blustery, humid day turned into a crisis for the South Memphis community when a 3‑story residential house on the corner of Elm Street and 14th Avenue erupted in flames. The incident, reported to the Memphis Fire Department at 14:27 p.m., prompted a rapid, coordinated response from several fire units, a police squad, and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). By the time the blaze was fully extinguished, the structure was heavily charred, the cause still under investigation, and a neighborhood of residents left shaken—but no injuries had been reported.

How the Fire Began

According to the official incident report and statements from the Memphis Fire Department’s Public Information Office, the fire likely started in the home’s basement, where an old electrical panel had been installed in 1967. Witnesses claim that a short‑circuit ignited a stack of dry laundry and kitchen utensils, which then spread rapidly through the home’s dry‑wood construction.

A preliminary investigation by the Memphis Fire Marshal’s Office, combined with a review of the area’s power‑line maintenance logs, suggested that a faulty breaker may have been the catalyst. The house’s owner, a 55‑year‑old retiree who lives on the block, expressed relief that “the fire didn’t spread to the neighboring houses” and that “the fire department arrived in minutes.”

The Rapid Response

Units On‑Scene:
1. Engine 3 (Elm‑Station) – The first unit on the scene, arriving at 14:35 p.m.
2. Ladder 2 (South Station) – Arrived at 14:38 p.m. with a 100‑foot ladder and a fire‑suppression rig.
3. Engine 9 (Central‑Station) – Arrived at 14:45 p.m. with a high‑pressure water pump.
4. Incident Commander (Fire Chief James R. “Jay” Henderson) – Took command at 14:42 p.m., coordinating water streams, air‑intake operations, and a rescue zone.
5. Special Units – Hazmat Team 5 and Rescue Team 1 were dispatched to evaluate potential hazardous materials, but the investigation found no presence of flammable liquids or chemical storage.

Tactics Employed:
- Ventilation: Ladder 2 was used to cut a vent in the roof, allowing hot gases to escape and decreasing the pressure that could cause a flash‑over.
- Water Application: Engine 3 and Engine 9 pumped water at a combined rate of 2,200 gallons per minute directly to the fire’s core, while a foam mix was applied to the exterior to inhibit re‑ignition.
- Fire‑Suppression Rig: A “puddle” of foam was created along the exterior walls to suppress the fire’s spread into adjacent buildings.

By 15:12 p.m., the fire was under control, and by 15:30 p.m. it was fully extinguished. The entire operation took roughly 75 minutes from the time of the first call to the final extinguishing.

Damage Assessment and After‑Action

Structural Damage:
- Floor 1 & 2: Complete loss of original flooring, drywall, and decorative trim.
- Roof: 95 % collapse, with debris scattered across a 500‑square‑foot area.
- Windows: 14 of 20 windows shattered, 8 remaining intact.

The damage estimate from the insurance adjuster is $175,000 for the primary residence, plus an additional $35,000 for the loss of personal belongings (electronics, jewelry, and family heirlooms). The total cost to the property owner is projected at $210,000.

Neighborhood Impact:
- Three neighboring houses (on the 1000 block of Oak Street) sustained minor water damage due to fire‑truck hoses.
- Residents of the 1200 block were temporarily displaced but returned to their homes the following day.

Injuries:
No injuries were reported. The fire department noted that the rapid response and effective evacuation plans “saved the day.”

Official Statements and Public Reaction

Fire Chief Jay Henderson said in a brief statement: “This is a reminder of how quickly fire can spread when electrical systems are outdated. We urge residents to conduct routine safety inspections and to install modern circuit breakers.”

Police Chief Lisa M. Carter added: “We want to reassure the community that we have no evidence of arson. The investigation is ongoing, but early indicators point to an accidental electrical fault.”

Community Leader Dr. Angela Thomas of the South Memphis Neighborhood Association expressed gratitude for the swift action: “Our neighbors are a tight‑knit group; this incident has reminded us that our collective safety depends on vigilance and community cooperation.”

Links for Further Context

1. Memphis Fire Department – Incident Reporting System
   http://www.memphisfire.com/incident-report
   The official portal provides real‑time updates on ongoing incidents and detailed after‑action reports.

2. Memphis Fire Marshal’s Office – Electrical Safety Guide
   http://www.memphisfiremarshals.com/electrical-safety
   This resource outlines common causes of residential electrical fires and best‑practice prevention tips.

3. Memphis Housing and Community Development – Fire Safety Grants
   http://www.dhcdmemphis.org/fire-safety-grants
   Residents who have suffered property damage may qualify for grants to improve fire‑proofing measures.

4. FOX13 Memphis – Related Stories
   https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/related-stories
   A compilation of recent local incidents, including the “Ladder 2 Rescue Saves Two Kids from Apartment Fire” story and the “Memphis Fire Dept. Receives New High‑Pressure Pump” feature.

Takeaway

The South Memphis house fire illustrates both the dangers inherent in aging electrical systems and the crucial role of a well‑trained, well‑equipped fire service. While the property’s owner will face significant repairs, the community’s rapid response, effective coordination between fire and police units, and the absence of injuries highlight the strength of Memphis’ emergency response framework.

For residents in the area, the incident serves as an urgent call to:
- Inspect electrical panels and replace outdated components.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and stairwell.
- Create and rehearse an evacuation plan for all household members.
- Leverage community resources for fire safety education and potential financial assistance.

In a city where fire incidents remain a persistent risk, the lessons learned from this blaze will no doubt inform both policy and personal practices for years to come.