Fires in Tacoma and Denver

May 13, 2026, 22:30
USOther

Introduction

Firefighters helped people during two fires in Tacoma and Denver.

Main Body

On Tuesday, a fire started at the Temple Theater in Tacoma. The fire was on the roof. Firefighters stopped the fire. No one was hurt. On Wednesday, a fire started at an apartment building in Denver. The fire was on the edge of the roof. People left the building quickly. One person in Denver was hurt. This person went to the hospital. Police closed the road to help the firefighters.

Conclusion

Firefighters stopped both fires. No one was hurt in Tacoma, but one person was hurt in Denver.

Learning

πŸ•’ The "Past" Pattern

Look at these words from the text:

  • started
  • stopped
  • closed

The Secret: When we talk about things that already happened (like last Tuesday), we often just add -ed to the end of the action word.

Examples from the story: Stop β†’ Stopped Close β†’ Closed Start β†’ Started

πŸ“ Where is it?

In English, we use 'on' for specific parts of a building like the roof.

  • The fire was on the roof.
  • The fire was on the edge.

Quick Tip: Use 'on' when something is touching a surface β†’\rightarrow on the table, on the floor, on the roof.

Vocabulary Learning

fire (n.)
a blaze or flame
Example:The fire burned through the building.
roof (n.)
the top covering of a house
Example:The roof was damaged by the storm.
building (n.)
a structure with walls and a roof
Example:The building is used for offices.
hospital (n.)
a place where people get medical care
Example:She was taken to the hospital after the accident.
road (n.)
a path for vehicles
Example:The road was closed for repairs.
help (v.)
to give assistance
Example:The firefighters helped the injured people.
stop (v.)
to end or halt
Example:They stopped the fire before it spread.
hurt (v.)
to cause pain or injury
Example:He was hurt in the fall.
left (v.)
to go away from a place
Example:She left the building quickly.
quickly (adv.)
fast or in a short time
Example:They moved quickly to escape.
closed (adj.)
not open
Example:The road was closed for the parade.
person (n.)
an individual human
Example:A person was injured in the fire.
police (n.)
law enforcement officers
Example:The police closed the street.
both (adj.)
two together
Example:Both fires were extinguished.
but (conj.)
used to introduce contrast
Example:She was hurt, but she survived.