Local
Plano blaze leaves up to 12 apartments unlivable; resident charged with arson
A fire at the Villas at Chase Oaks shortly after midnight sent one man to the hospital and forced residents from 10 to 12 apartments. Authorities say Travon Andrews, 27, has been charged in connection with the blaze, which remains under investigation.
A late-night fire at a Plano apartment complex sent one resident to the hospital, damaged as many as 12 units and prompted arson charges against a 27-year-old man, authorities said.
The fire began around midnight Oct. 21 at the Villas at Chase Oaks, in the 600 block of Legacy Drive, just west of U.S. 75. Firefighters arrived within about three minutes and found heavy smoke and flames coming through the roof, according to officials.
Crews rescued a man from a second-floor balcony after he called for help. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. No other injuries were reported. Part of the roof collapsed onto firefighters during the response, but none was hurt.
Damage left 10 to 12 apartments uninhabitable. Apartment management and the American Red Cross are helping displaced residents find temporary housing; officials have not said how many people were affected.
Plano police took Travon Andrews into custody in connection with the fire. He faces charges of arson causing bodily injury or death and arson intended to damage a habitat or place of worship, and is being held in the Collin County Jail. No bond had been set as of the report. The charges are allegations, and officials have not released details about what they believe led to the fire or why they suspect Andrews started it.
Resident Timothy Howard said he was escaping from the first floor when he saw an older man on the balcony calling for help. Firefighters brought a ladder to reach him, Howard said, expressing gratitude for their response.
Plano Fire-Rescue said the Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation.