Early Sunday morning, May 26, 2025, Temple Fire and Rescue responded to two structure fires believed to have been caused by severe storms.
The first call came at 7:31 a.m. from the 1100 block of Emerald Gate Drive. Fire crews arrived to find smoke coming from the attic of a residence. Firefighters located smoldering embers in the attic and quickly extinguished them using a handheld extinguisher, preventing further damage.
The homeowner told authorities he had noticed a small spark in the kitchen during the lightning strike. Neighbors alerted him to smoke coming from the attic. All occupants were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
A second call was received at 7:54 a.m. from 709 Meiomi Drive, where a row of adjoined townhomes was affected. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames in the attic of one unit. Visible roof damage was observed near a vent pipe. Firefighters extinguished the fire by approximately 8:30 a.m.
Five residents and one family pet from the affected and neighboring units were displaced. Property management is assisting with temporary housing. No injuries were reported.
Temple Fire and Rescue responded to the first scene with 7 units and 19 personnel. As units cleared that call, 8 units and 23 personnel were dispatched to the second fire. Temple Police Department and Temple EMS also assisted at both locations.
