Man arrested for Ponderosa Fire

One man has been arrested on an Arson charge in connection with a fire at the Ponderosa Apartments Wednesday, according to a press release from Dan Hendrickson, Big Spring Fire Marshal.

The text of the press release, dated Thursday, follows:

“On April 4th, 2021, at 2:24 a.m., 911 Dispatchers received a call for a possible structure fire at 1425 E. 6th in Big Spring. Emergency units were sent to the scene where upon arrival units from the Big Spring Police Department and Big Spring Fire Department found a multi-story apartment complex fully involved in fire.

“Firefighting and rescue efforts were immediately started. As rescue efforts continued there were 3 people that required medical attention and were transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center by ambulance. Two victims were treated and released for smoke inhalation and 1 victim was flown to Lubbock UMC burn center where they underwent treatment for second- and third-degree burns.

S i x t e e n

a apartments were on fire when personnel arrived. There were 28 people registered living there. City of Big Spring Emergency Management arranged for the relocation of the victims and family members to Dorothy Garrett Coliseum at Howard College.

“Thanks to the brave men and women of the Big Spring Fire Department, Big Spring Police Department, Howard County Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Chaplain Corps, Red Cross, Code Enforcement, Atmos, Oncor, Big Spring Public Works and multiple local organizations, all the occupants were safe and no lives were lost.

“The building containing all 16 apartments were total loss. The management/