AFD responds to 'fully involved,' burning southeast Austin building near I-35

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department is battling a three-alarm fire in south Austin with the building fully involved, the agency said on social media Wednesday.

At 2:20 p.m., AFD said crews responded to the three-story building with a “defensive” fire in the 2900 block of South Interstate 35 service road northbound. That’s near Oltorf and Woodward Street.

AFD said there was a structural collapse on the second floor of the building with “multiple exposures,” which means there is more danger associated with the fire.

Video, courtesy of @mikekingart, shared with KXAN showed large flames and plumes of black smoke breaking out from the top of the building.

In an update at 2:50 p.m., AFD said crews are searching the area for other possible fires due to the windy conditions.

Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Transportation Public Works also responded to assist.

One northbound lane of the I-35 frontage road near Woodward Street is closed. Drivers are urged to avoid the area, as traffic will be impacted during this time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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