The Las Cruces Fire Department extinguished an attic fire in a central Las Cruces residence today.
Firefighters responded to the 200-block of West Chestnut Avenue around 11:30 a.m. after the resident discovered his attic was on fire. Crews encountered heavy smoke conditions on arrival. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes.
The homeowner told investigators that he was using a torch for a roofing project and accidently ignited the insulation in the attic. The residents were able to evacuate the home without incident.
Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental and the dollar value of the loss had not been determined. The attic sustained heavy fire damage and the interior living space sustained smoke and water damage.
One civilian was treated on scene by medical personnel. No firefighter injuries were reported. The blaze displaced three residents.
Information from Las Cruces Fire Dept.