ARLINGTON — ARLINGTON -- A fire smoldering overnight in a fireplace sparked a three-alarm blaze in southwest Arlington on Wednesday morning that destroyed one home and threatened at least one other before it was brought under control.
Firefighters responded at 9:50 a.m. to the 6100 block of Kelly Elliott Road after the homeowner called 91l, said Lt. Kevin Seeton, Arlington Fire Department spokesman. The homeowner, listed on the Tarrant Appraisal District website as John S. Sutton, was taken to Methodist Mansfield Medical Center for minor smoke inhalation, fire officials said."We hate that it happened to him but are glad that he got out and stayed out," Seeton said. "He didn't try to go back into the house for something."While en route, the first battalion saw how heavy the smoke was and called for a second alarm. Upon arrival, a third alarm was called as a precaution, Seeton said."We would rather be aggressive on the front end and have extra manpower than be trying to catch up later," he said.Firefighters said the fire, which sent large plumes of smoke over the area, was under control at 10:30 a.m. The 1,200-square-foot home is valued for tax purposes at $73,000, according to appraisal district records.Officials said the fire threatened the houses on either side of the blaze, but firefighters were able to protect them. Those homes and others nearby were evacuated and checked for damage, fire officials said.Firefighters remained well into the afternoon taking care of hot spots.Patrick M. Walker, 817-983-8080Twitter: @patrickmwalker1Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
