A 3-alarm fire broke out inside a washateria in East Dallas Tuesday morning, prompting the closure of a city block of Military Parkway.
The fire, inside the Wash and Dry Lavanderia on the 7100-block of Military Parkway, was first reported at about 10 a.m. Nearly two hours later, firefighters with Dallas Fire Rescue continue to battle the blaze as the roof of the 2-story building threatens to collapse.
The business was occupied with three customers and a manager when customers first reported smelling smoke. Everyone was able to escape without injury, officials said, though one person was treated for smoke inhalation.
With no one trapped inside the building, firefighters are taking a "surround and drown" approach to fighting the fire from the outside, according to Jason Evans with Dallas Fire Rescue. They initially tried to make entry into the building and immediately pulled back.
Fire officials have not yet determined what started the fire.
Evans added that Military Parkway is expected to be closed for some time Tuesday due to the fire. Motorists passing through the area are advised to seek alternate routes. DART issued a statement that "while Dallas Fire Rescue activity is active near the Military @ Urban stops, route 597 is detouring around the affected area and unable to serve those stops."
NBC 5's Ben Russell contributed to this report.
