Brown County firefighters responded to a house fire just outside of Bangs Thursday evening that displaced two people.

An off-duty Brownwood firefighter was traveling on County Road 153 shortly after 5:00 p.m., when he noticed smoke and discovered the house fire.  According to Brownwood Fire Marshal Buddy Preston, the fireman entered the home to check for occupants and was able to let one dog out of the burning structure.

The residents, an 87-year-old woman and her 30-year-old son, were not in the home when the fire began, said Preston.

Preston explained that the home was built approximately 100 years ago, with a high pitched roof, and in the last 15 years, the attic area had been turned into an apartment.  The fire, he explained, began between the ceiling of the first floor and the apartment.  The second floor began “caving in” and Preston stated there was no way to safely enter the area for an investigation.

The family had no insurance, according to Preston.  Although the elderly woman and the male resident have lost their home, the woman’s daughter does live on the property in another home where the two were able to stay.  Red Cross came to the scene to give immediate aid to the victims of the fire.

Preston explained that most agencies in the county helped battle the fire, bringing tankers of water and manpower.  Brownwood Fire Department along with Early, Bangs, Zephyr, Brookesmith, Winchell, Lake Dam, and Lake Bridge volunteer fire departments all committed resources to fighting the fire.

Preston stated he hopes to be able to find a way to investigate the cause of the fire, but will have to check the home this morning to be able to see if it is safe to enter the structure.

Pictured above and below are photos of the blaze which were contributed.