Multiple units respond to structure fire in Houston

A large residential fire in Houston Feb. 17 required a multi-unit response from the Houston Fire Department, West Lakes Fire Department, and the Mat-Su Borough EMS, and was an example of how seamlessly multiple units can work together to beat back damage before it spreads.

Houston Fire Department (HFD) Chief Christian Hartley reported that a fire broke out during the evening at an unoccupied residence on Corn Street, off of Parks Highway. While no one was living in the residence, it was under active renovation with heavy equipment on the site.

Upon arrival, crews found the structure was heavily engulfed in flames. With the assistance of the other responding units, Chief Hartley reported that they were able to get the fire under control in under 20 minutes, saving over half of the building. “The only reason we were able to save the majority of the home was early notification by neighbors and an aggressive interior attack.” Hartley says full extinguishment was complicated by a partial roof collapse, which will be a total loss, though the rest of the home showed little signs of smoke damage.

“It's often amazing to see how much room an incident takes up when responders unite,” he said. Hartley said there were no injuries.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, though it is believed that origin was in the wall and roof are in a living area space near a fireplace.