Early Morning Fire Destroys Lubbock Apartment Complex, Displaces 25 Residents

Just after 4 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to a 911 call reporting smoke inside an apartment unit at Stratford Place Apartments, located in the 4900 block of 4th Street. As crews were en route, additional calls reported the same issue.

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the roof of a large two-story apartment complex. Crews began operations, entering affected units while evacuating residents from the building. Inside, they located the fire but observed early signs of a roof collapse. Due to a shared attic space, the fire spread rapidly, making containment more challenging.

As flames broke through the roof, the Incident Commander ordered a second alarm, directing all units to evacuate and transition to a defensive strategy. Aerial operations were initiated, and master streams were deployed. Several air conditioning units on the roof collapsed during the fire, and multiple sections of the roof caved in. Despite these challenges, the fire was extinguished with no civilian injuries.

One firefighter sustained an injury during operations and was transported to UMC Hospital. The firefighter has since been treated and released.

Firefighters were able to rescue a cat from one of the apartments, but it did not survive due to smoke inhalation.

Approximately 25 residents were displaced, and the American Red Cross is assisting those affected. The Lubbock Fire Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Responding Units:

First Alarm: Engine 7, Truck 7, Engine 13, Quint 3, Engine 4, Battalion 1, Battalion 2
Second Alarm: Engine 6, Engine 9, Truck 4, Quint 2, Rehab 2, Engine 18, Shift Chief 805, Training 841, Training 843, Air Van 7, Gear Van 4