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Fiery Start to 2011

Austin's fire department had a busy first night of 2011.
Image courtesy Austin Fire Department
Austin's fire department had a busy first night of 2011.

2011 has already started as a busy one for Austin firefighters.

Statesman.com reports six people have been hospitalized after two separate fires early this morning.  Two elderly men are in critical condition after a fire on Mt. Barker Dr., after being rescued by firefighters.  Four other men are being treated after an apparent fire at a Shell gas station at E. 10th and I-35.

Late Friday night, the thatch roof of the Hula Hut on Lake Austin Blvd. was damaged by fire.  Investigators believe that fire was started by fireworks.  Damage is estimated about $50,000.  One firefighter was apparently suffered a foot injury battling that fire.  No other injuries were reported.

Ian Crawford joined KUT as News Editor in 2008, after spending over four years as a reporter/anchor at KLBJ Radio in Austin. He began his broadcasting career while still in high school in Southern Oregon. During high school and college at the University of Oregon, he worked at times as a reporter, news anchor, sports play-by-play reporter, music host and commercial producer before moving to Texas in 2003.