DALLAS—Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson on Thursday released the following statement after an explosion and subsequent structure fire in Oak Cliff:
Earlier today, Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a reported gas leak at an apartment complex in Oak Cliff. As firefighters from the nearby Station 15 were arriving, a devastating explosion occurred. The situation escalated to a five-alarm response, with hundreds of personnel deployed to the scene.
While the fire has been extinguished, recovery efforts continue. We do not yet know the final toll on this community, but it is already high. The survivors of this tragedy lost their homes and everything in them. And there are families grieving loved ones who perished.
The needs of our neighbors will be great. But the most important thing we can—and must—do as a community right now is pray. We must pray for the individuals who tragically lost their lives, and we must pray for their families as they endure this unforeseen grief. We must pray for the injured, and we must pray for those who have lost their homes and their belongings. In the coming days and weeks, we must come together to support them and help them recover from this tragedy.
Dallas is blessed to have several partner organizations who are helping with the recovery process, including Dallas ISD, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Family Gateway, and all those who provided food and other donations for those affected. I am grateful for their presence in our community and for their readiness to step up and serve in times of need. Many City of Dallas departments have joined the recovery efforts led by the Office of Emergency Management.
And I want to recognize our Dallas firefighters and first responders whose bravery, heroism, and professionalism were on full display today. They were on the scene within minutes, contained the blaze, and spent hours bringing down the fire. They continue to search for and rescue victims and tend to those injured. Thanks to their swift and courageous work, further damage was prevented and the surrounding community was kept safe.
Dallas Fire-Rescue has transitioned from the rescue phase to recovery and excavation operations. There is still much work to be done, and they will remain onsite for at least 24 hours. Please keep the community and all our first responders in your prayers during this time
