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Resident says inoperable hydrants left 10 homes vulnerable during Eagles Landing backyard fire
Summary
A resident running for council told Elgin officials that inoperable fire hydrants and small-lot construction left homes at risk during a recent backyard fire; she urged the council to address building codes and accountability.
Tiffany Saint Pierre, a candidate for Elgin City Council Ward 3, told the council a backyard fire in Eagles Landing exposed a failure of local water infrastructure and raised broader concerns about housing construction and lot sizes.
“Late Sunday morning, a call was placed to 911 regarding a backyard fire. Travis County firefighters arrived on scene expeditiously, but they were met with inoperable fire hydrants,” Saint Pierre said. She told the council Travis County ESD 12 routed additional fire trucks with water tanks and that “in total, 10 houses were affected.”
Saint Pierre said residents had for years raised concerns about lot sizes, building codes and construction quality, and that she wanted the council to explain how it would hold itself accountable. “For years, you've dismissed our concerns. You labeled us peons on social media,” she said. “We are your constituents. We are hardworking, tax paying American families.”
Saint Pierre urged the council to consider changes to codes or oversight that would reduce fire risk from small‑lot, higher‑density construction. The matter was presented during the public‑comment period; the council did not take immediate action on the item during the meeting.
