One person and a dog died in an apartment fire near Oracle Road and Blacklidge Drive early Tuesday, Tucson Fire officials said.
Crews were called at 3:22 a.m. and found heavy fire on the first floor of a two-story apartment building. Three residents were displaced. The complex was under renovation, and officials said many units were vacant.
Firefighters faced difficult access, climbing a 15-foot rock wall and cutting through a fence to reach the unit. The fire was under control by 3:43 a.m. Fifteen fire units responded.
The cause remains under investigation.
Tucson Fire is reminding residents to keep exits clear of furniture and other objects, and to test smoke alarms monthly.
