Reno house fire kills 2 teens, while responding firefighter suffers burn-related injuries
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Two teenagers died in an early morning house fire Friday in Reno, authorities said.
Two other occupants already had escaped unharmed when firefighters arrived just before 3 a.m. at the two-story house in flames in a south Reno neighborhood, the Reno Fire Department said in a statement.
The victims, 19-year-old Davis Barbee and 13-year-old Travis Barbee, were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead, according to the Washoe County coroner. Autopsies were pending.
One firefighter also was taken to a hospital with burn-related injuries. Other firefighters were treated at the scene for minor issues stemming from the blaze, the department said, but none of the injuries were believed to be serious.
“The fire was extremely intense and spread quickly, resulting in extensive damage to the structure and partial collapse of the roof. Ultimately, firefighters were able to locate and remove both victims from the structure,” the department said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
an initial investigation indicated the fire started in the garage and threatened to spread to neighboring homes before firefighters got the blaze under control.
Anyone with information was asked to call the Reno Fire Department at 775-334-2300, or call or text Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.