"I saw red flames and black smoke," said Katharine Bergeson, who had just come home from shopping and was putting her groceries away.

Thursday, July 12, 2001

"I saw red flames and black smoke," said Katharine Bergeson, who had just come home from shopping and was putting her groceries away. People were already standing and watching but she said no fire equipment had arrived yet.

"I think I might have been the first one to call. It was about 3:15 (p.m.) It never hurts to call," she said as she brushed ash off her car. Flames quickly worked over a 20×60 ft. wood-framed garage on the East Side of the 100 block of First Street SE.

Bergeson said the flames appeared to be on one side and then moved to the other garage. She said the structure was two adjoining garages.

Firefighters had the blaze quickly under control and Commander Mattice, of the Austin Fire Department, was beginning to assess the damage. He had no idea how the fire started, only that "It was totally involved when we arrived."

He said the building was behind the residences of 105 and 107 Southeast Second Street.

Call Ailene Dawson at 434-2235 or e-mail her at Ailene.Dawson@austindailyherald.com.