Austin, Texas, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A serious three-alarm fire broke out at the Residences at The Domain in Austin, Texas, displacing many residents and damaging multiple businesses including Lululemon and Louis Vuitton. Firefighters faced challenges due to the fire’s location in interstitial spaces, prompting over 100 responders. Fortunately, only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. The estimated damage is around $4.5 million, and the American Red Cross is assisting those affected. Investigations confirmed the cause to be an accidental electrical short within the wall.
Austin, Texas, experienced a serious three-alarm fire on Tuesday at the Residences at The Domain apartment complex, displacing numerous residents and damaging multiple businesses. The fire was first reported at 12:48 p.m. by a security guard who noticed smoke near the Louis Vuitton store, located at 11400 Century Oaks Terrace.
The incident escalated quickly, with a full midrise alarm triggered by 12:57 p.m.. By 1:28 p.m., the alarm was upgraded to a second alarm, and a third alarm was finally declared at 2:46 p.m. as firefighting efforts continued.
Firefighters faced significant challenges as they discovered the fire in an interstitial space of the building, which hindered access. Flames were located on the second and third floors as well as in the building’s attic, complicating efforts to control the blaze. Notably, a firefighter sustained a superficial hand injury during the operations; however, they were treated on-site and returned to work.
The fire affected a total of 28 apartments and impacted several businesses, including Lululemon and Louis Vuitton. Initial assessments indicated that residents from four units might be displaced, but further evaluations revealed that the damage was more extensive, affecting at least 16 residents, with six experiencing direct fire damage.
In total, over 100 firefighters responded to the scene to manage the situation. The fight against the fire was complicated by water flow issues due to damaged sprinkler lines, which further hampered containment efforts. The investigation into the cause of the blaze determined that it was accidental and resulted from an electrical short within the wall.
The estimated damage from the fire is around $4.5 million. The American Red Cross is currently assisting the displaced residents as they cope with the consequences of the incident.
This incident highlights the risks associated with residential fires, particularly in high-density areas like apartment complexes. It also underscores the critical importance of prompt responses from firefighting teams.
Key Facts
- Location: Residences at The Domain, 11400 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, Texas
- Initial Report Time: 12:48 p.m.
- Full Midrise Alarm Time: 12:57 p.m.
- Second Alarm Time: 1:28 p.m.
- Third Alarm Time: 2:46 p.m.
- Extent of Damage: 28 apartments and multiple businesses impacted
- Firefighter Injuries: One firefighter with a superficial hand injury
- Estimated Damage Cost: $4.5 million
- Cause of Fire: Accidental, electrical short in a wall
FAQ
What time was the fire first reported?
The fire was first reported at 12:48 p.m..
Where did the fire occur?
The fire occurred at the Residences at The Domain apartment complex, located at 11400 Century Oaks Terrace.
How many apartments were affected by the fire?
The fire affected a total of 28 apartments.
What was the estimated damage from the fire?
The estimated damage from the fire is approximately $4.5 million.
What caused the fire?
Investigation revealed that the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical short in a wall.
Is anyone injured?
One firefighter sustained a superficial hand injury but was treated on-site and returned to work.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Incident | Three-Alarm Fire |
| Initial Report Time | 12:48 p.m. |
| Location | The Domain Apartment Complex, Austin, TX |
| Total Apartments Affected | 28 Apartments |
| Estimated Damage | $4.5 million |
| Cause of Fire | Electrical Short |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fire Emergency in South Austin: One Injured in Apartment Blaze
Additional Resources
- KVUE
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Austin fire
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Apartment fires safety
- KXAN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Investigation
- Houston Chronicle
- Google News: Domain apartment fire
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
