A mayday was called as firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in a North Richland Hills Feb. 13.
Firefighters were called to the Grayson Ridge Apartments on Northeast Loop 820 just before 6 p.m. and had smoke coming from the two- and three-story apartment building when they arrived.
Crews initiated an attack and searched for the fire, which appeared to be burning between two floors, as police evacuated the fire building and the adjacent structure. A second alarm was called bringing crews from other departments.
As new firefighters arrived, crews were deployed into several apartments to open walls and ceiling to find fire travelling throughout.
A firefighter suffered minor injuries after falling from the third floor to the second floor, which triggered a mayday. The incident was quickly deescalated.
As smoke conditions worsened, crews prepared for a defensive attack using North Richland Hills Ladder 225 and several handlines.
A third alarm was called as fire spread throughout the entire structure. Crews also operated handlines to protect adjacent structures as the flames intensified.
The fire was placed under control about three hours after they arrived.
Mutual aid was received from Bedford, Colleyville, Haltom City, Hurst and Richland Hills.
