Three people were displaced following a late-night fire on Tucson's south side on Tuesday, authorities said.
Tucson Fire Department responded to reports of heavy smoke and flames coming from a house near South 11th Avenue and West Utah St., said department spokesman, Capt. Barrett Baker.
A fourth person staying at the home was in the back yard when he heard "weird sounds" and noticed a "wall of fire" from the front yard of the house. He went to investigate and screamed when he saw the fire, waking up the other three occupants, who were able to evacuate before fire crews arrived, Baker said.
Crews encountered a full involved house fire that was so large, a larger hose had to be brought in to battle the blaze. Once the fire was under control, crews were able to enter the house and confirm that all occupants and pets were out safely, as well as extinguish any hot spots in the home, Baker said.
It took nine units consisting of twenty-three firefighters to bring the fire under control within fifteen minutes of arriving.
The major damage from the fire was confined to the front porch area and front rooms of the house. Fire investigators are still determining the cause and origin of the fire, Baker said.
The family of three did not need Red Cross assistance, as they have family nearby to help out.
