Early morning apartment fire claims three lives
Three people died after a fire at the Cottonwood Townhomes apartment complex in Friona destroyed four apartments and damaged five others. The Friona Volunteer Fire Department was called to the 1300 block of Walnut Street at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20th. Upon arriving at the scene, local officials notified additional fire crews to assist in the effort. Also, a myriad of mutual assistance agencies were notified and all responded immediately.
One adult and two children died as a result of the fire. The victims were identified as Mateo Zetino Ambrocio, 28, of Friona; his daughter Sandy Hilaria Zetino Juarez, 4 years old, of Friona; and his nephew Jose Juaquin Zetino Ajualip, 12 years old, of Friona.
The fire was under control around noon but over 130 people were evacuated from the apartment complex as a safety precaution. Most were able to return to their homes by the end of the day. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Friona firefighters battle blaze!
All first responders were needed to battle the apartment fire on December 20th.
