Three children killed, three others hospitalized after Southeast Austin apartment fire
March 13, 2026
- What: A blaze at an apartment building left three children dead and three others taken to hospitals.
- Who: Austin Fire Department crews responded, emergency medical teams treated victims, and residents of the complex were affected.
- Why it matters: The fire caused loss of life and forced residents from 30 apartments to relocate while authorities investigate and recovery continues.
Firefighters with the Austin Fire Department responded to an apartment fire off Burleson Road in Southeast Austin, where crews discovered three children dead after entering a unit. Emergency medical personnel transported three additional people to local hospitals for treatment, the department said.
The incident forced families from 30 apartments to leave the building, as units were evacuated while crews worked at the scene. Emergency teams secured the area and began checking neighboring units for hazards and potential injuries.
Firefighters focused first on rescuing occupants and containing the flames, then moved to search and recovery inside the affected apartment. Investigators and fire crews continued working at the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire, and to evaluate the extent of structural and smoke damage.
Neighbors and displaced residents were offered immediate assistance from on-scene responders, who coordinated with local services to arrange temporary housing and resources. Officials urged anyone with information about the incident or who may have been affected to contact city emergency services.
Medical crews treated three people at hospitals, where their conditions were not immediately disclosed by responding agencies. Officials have not released the identities of the deceased or those hospitalized while next of kin are notified.
City emergency management and the Austin Fire Department said recovery and cleanup will continue at the site, and they expect investigators to spend additional time examining the apartment where the children were found. The department also plans follow-up inspections in adjacent units to ensure residents can return safely.
Authorities continue to gather facts about the timeline of the fire and the circumstances inside the unit. Anyone with photos, video, or information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Austin Fire Department or local law enforcement.
Sources
- Austin Fire Department statement
- Emergency medical services report