Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to the 5600 Block of 8th Place Friday night to reports of a house fire in the garage area.
Initial reports state a person as possibly trapped inside the garage. Later, it was confirmed that a man died in the fire.
Lubbock Fire Rescue identified the victim Saturday afternoon as Herschel Potts, 25. Authorities also said the cause of the fire was a gas leak resulting in an explosion in the attic.
On Saturday afternoon, LFR issued the following update on Facebook:
Update:
The cause of the fire was a gas leak resulting in an explosion in the attic. The exact source of the leak and cause of ignition is still under investigation. Herschel Potts, age 25, was found deceased at the scene.
Fire Marshal’s have reported that the single family residence received damage to about 80% of the structure. They have also classified the fire as accidental but have not released a cause and the investigation is ongoing at this time. They also confirmed that one adult male was fatally injured in the fire. More details to follow as they become available.
At 9:52 p.m. this evening units from LFR responded to 5606 8th Place for a reported structure fire. E7 arrived on scene and reported flames coming from the garage. Crews had the fire under control and an all clear on the house at 10:23 p.m. The Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate and the investigation is ongoing at this time. Red Cross was called to assist 1 adult female, two children and 1 infant. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
On scene, a witness showed EverythingLubbock.com video of the fire lining the front of the house near the garage. The witness helped rescued a woman and child from the home, and saw a body in the garage area.
Red Cross was called to aid a women, two children and an infant.
The family of Potts setup a donation for his wife and kids. If you would like to donate they have setup a City Bank Account under the name Callie Potts.
