Apartment Fire Leaves Dozens Homeless; Third Stove-Related Fire in Recent Months

A fire at a central Lubbock apartment complex has left almost 20 people homeless. Around 30 Lubbock fire fighters began battling the huge blaze at the Somerset Apartments in the 6500 block of Avenue Q around noon Friday. The smoke from the fire was visible across most of the city.

The complex contained 12 units, 11 of which were occupied. None of the units were equipped with smoke detectors. The blaze is believed to have started from stove in apartment number 9.

There was extensive damage in the unit of origin, with lesser damage done to surrounding units. This is the third apartment fire in recent months attributed to stove-tops.