On February 7, 2021 at approximately 6:19 a.m., the Abilene Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at the 3200 block of North 3rd Street at the Briarwood Apartments. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames showing from multiple apartments. The structure fire was quickly upgraded to a second alarm and then a third alarm. Crews were forced to make a defensive, exterior attack. 21 apartments are currently affected by the fire and the Red Cross is assisting the residents of these apartments. No fatalities have been reported at this time. The fire remains under investigation and the damage is estimated to be over $500,000.
Update: The Abilene Fire Department would like to confirm that the structure fire at the Briarwood Apartments this morning was a arson fire. The suspect who allegedly started the fire is currently in custody and will be charged with arson.