On Thursday afternoon, August 15, 2024, at 4:22 p.m., Bedford firefighters responded to a fire in a single-story office building located in the 2900 block of Brown Trail. The Hurst Fire Department joined the initial response. As the captain of Engine 154 observed a significant amount of smoke from a distance, a second alarm was requested, bringing additional resources, including firefighters, fire apparatus, and specialized units.
Upon arrival, the crews immediately began assessing the situation and attacking the fire, all while contending with triple-digit temperatures. The firefighters ensured that everyone was safely out of the building. The presence of additional firefighters from the second alarm was crucial for maintaining safety during the intense and strenuous work under the demanding weather conditions. Crews were cycled through rehabilitation several times to manage the exhaustion caused by the extreme heat.
Firefighters from neighboring departments, including Colleyville, Euless, Grapevine, Hurst, and North Richland Hills, arrived as part of the second alarm response. Additional units from other departments assisted in covering other calls in Bedford during the fire. Support was also provided by Bedford Police officers, the Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association Rehab Team, and Oncor.
A Colleyville firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. The approximately 6,000-square-foot building, which housed several businesses, suffered significant damage, displacing the occupants. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office. The fire was brought under control around 5:45 p.m., and the last units cleared the scene just before 9:00 p.m.
