Cause of Galleria-area apartment fire remains unclear

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Investigators can't say yet what caused the four-alarm fire that ripped through a Galleria area apartment complex.

One by one, families are now getting to return to see what is left.

"A few of my things I was able to save and I'm happy about that," said Will Jefferson whose apartment is one of 42 damaged in the inferno at the "Palms of Westheimer."

Some families said they'd just bought Christmas gifts and put them under the tree.

"They're three and five so they don't understand: you can't get that Barbie Dream House because we have to figure out where we're gonna live," said Ariadne Bocoum.

Bocoum's daughter Aria, who is five, told us she wanted to say a few words as well. The words were heartbreaking coming from a little girl so young.

"I'm sad that we don't have a home and the stuff and the Christmas gifts are ruined," said Aria.

However, showing a maturity beyond her years, she reminded us of what can be seen as a silver lining in this soot-covered devastation -- no one was seriously hurt.

"I love my family and I love my friends and I always love them," said Aria.

Now others who were displaced by the fire are hoping to ensure that children like Ara might still be able to open gifts Christmas morning.

"I want them to have Christmas. I can't stand the fact that some children might not have Christmas," said Amanda Brady, who also lost most of what was in her apartment.

Brady is helping organize a donation effort to collect toys for the children displaced in this fire.

There is also a need for basic toiletries and necessities. You can drop those items off at the apartment complex office. The address is 6425 Westheimer, just east of Voss.