KILLEEN, Texas (Dec. 15, 2025) – At 1:15 AM, the Bell County Communication Center received two 911 calls for the report of a fire in an apartment in the 3300 block of E. Rancier Avenue. A general alarm assignment was immediately dispatched, and the first unit arrived on scene within five minutes of the initial dispatch reporting heavy fire conditions and fire already through the roof of a two-story, eight-unit apartment building. Fire companies immediately initiated, an aggressive fire attack while simultaneously evacuating occupants from the fire building and adjacent buildings. The alarm was upgraded to include two additional engine companies and one chief officer due to heavy fire conditions and the number of occupied apartment units.
The fire was brought under control within 25 minutes of arrival on scene. Crews continued with salvage operations and extinguishing hotspots for an additional 2 1/2 hours. Seven of the apartment units were occupied, one was vacant at the time of the incident and all occupants were safely evacuated without injury. There were no injuries to any firefighters operating on the scene.
Five engines, two ladder trucks, one rescue company, one ambulance, two battalion chiefs, two accountability captains, and one chief officer, for a total of 31 personnel, responded to the scene.
The Killeen Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Killeen Police Department, Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Building Department, Animal Services Unit, Oncor, & Atmos.
Fire investigators from the Killeen Fire Marshal‘s Office also responded to the scene. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and area of origin to be in a second-floor utility closet.
A total of 17 residents were displaced as a result of extensive damage sustained to the eight apartment units. All displaced residents will be assisted with alternative housing by on-site property management and the American Red Cross.
For more information on the Killeen Police Department, visit killeentexas.gov/fire.
# # #
About the City of Killeen
Founded in 1882, the City of Killeen combines a charming hometown feel with vibrant cultural experiences influenced by its military heritage and diverse community. With over 160,000 residents, the city is committed to providing municipal services and facilities that meet the essential health, safety, and welfare needs of its residents while also enhancing the overall quality of life. Discover what makes Killeen special at killeentexas.gov.
This press release includes photos from the City of Killeen Fire Department. Please be sure to credit or provide attribution such as “Image courtesy of the City of Killeen Fire Department” or “Photo Credit: City of Killeen Fire Department.”