HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Eight families managed to escape with their lives but lost their homes when a three-alarm apartment fire broke out Thursday afternoon in north Houston, officials said.
At about 1:30 p.m., the Houston Fire Department received a call about the blaze at 16826 City View Place, near Bush Airport. When crews arrived, they saw smoke and fire coming from the building.
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According to officials, the fire escalated to a three-alarm because of manpower and heat. This was to help rotate the teams and keep the fire contained. One firefighter was treated on scene for heat exhaustion.
Officials said the civilians were able to evacuate and were not injured in the fire.
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It's still unclear what sparked the fire, but officials said that at least eight units were destroyed as a result. The Red Cross is on the scene assisting the victims.
An investigation continues into the cause.
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