Crews battle building fire in SW Houston across from elementary school, HFD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Firefighters spent Tuesday morning and afternoon battling a building fire in southwest Houston.

The fire started at John's Wheel Repair, which is located in the 3400 block of Fondren, near the Southwest Freeway.

Houston Fire Department Deputy Chief Isaac Garcia said the fire started when someone was welding near some stored tires.

"These firefighters did a tremendous job," Garcia said. "It does appear the fire is 100% out."

Garcia said oxygen, gas, or propane tanks were also in the building, which led to explosions heard by nearby businesses.

"I (was) at Hair Creations, that's where I work," Miracle Moor said. "We were in there, slaying hair casually, and next thing we know we heard a boom."

At Houston Drapery Center, which is across the street from the fire, debris from one explosion flew across Fondren and knocked out the back window of an employee's vehicle. The store's owner said they avoided the worst-case scenario since no one was injured.

"We feel very fortunate," Eng Koo said.

There were no injuries due to the fire, though a firefighter was checked for fatigue-related issues, Garcia said.

HFD's Arson Unit is investigating the fire, but there are no signs of any code violations or foul play at this point.

"There is no indication of any violations that I would know of right now," Garcia said.

A European auto-repair shop next to the tire store also suffered damage from the blaze, and HFD said they're working with the owners of both stores. The tire shop is across from Piney Point Elementary, which did not have to evacuate during the fire.

Heavy smoke could be seen from miles away, video shows.

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