FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 11, 2026

Sandwood Drive Apartment Complex Fire

At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, multiple callers reported a fire in the 2200 block of Sandwood Drive. The first arriving fire company encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from the rear of the complex on the second floor of the nine-unit apartment building. Six engine companies, one truck company, a battalion chief, and three additional chief officers responded to the incident. Fire crews gained control of the fire in approximately one hour. Crews remained on scene for an additional five hours conducting overhaul and salvage operations, extinguishing hot spots, and assisting occupants with retrieving essential belongings from the building.

All occupants safely evacuated the apartment complex. Unfortunately, several pets did not survive the fire. One firefighter sustained a minor injury during the incident. LHCFD CERT responded with multiple members to assist with firefighter rehabilitation duties. The Desert Hills Fire Department provided additional coverage in Lake Havasu City by deploying a crew to handle other 911 calls while local resources were committed to the fire. Two additional fire engine crews with recalled off-duty personnel provided coverage for other emergency calls throughout the city.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with investigators remaining on scene into the morning.

For further information, contact the on-duty Battalion Chief at (928) 486-3507 or Fire Administration at (928) 855-1141.