3 firefighters injured while battling fire at Mexican cafe in NW Harris County, officials say
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- One firefighter was hospitalized, and two others were treated for heat exhaustion while working to tame a large fire at a restaurant in northwest Harris County off of Highway 249, according to officials.
A viewer sent Eyewitness News a video that shows black smoke clouding over a Los Cucos Mexican Cafe, located at 22390 Tomball Parkway.
Klein firefighters posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, pictures of the restaurant as crews battled the fire Wednesday afternoon.
When crews arrived at the restaurant, they had everyone evacuated as the fire continued to spread, according to the fire department.
Deputy Chief Stephen Kramer said the fire started coming through the roof at about 2:26 p.m., and firefighters were having issues with water and heavy traffic in the area.
Nearby traffic caused damage to some of the water hoses, damaging them, according to Kramer. That's when crews requested to bring triple the amount of firefighters, trucks, and equipment to the scene.
Extra crews were requested to relieve firefighters due to the heat.
"You have to remember that (Wednesday's) temperatures are at about 102 degrees," Kramer said. "This takes a huge toll on your body, with all the gear (firefighters) are wearing."
To fight the fire, Kramer said crews used about 12 fire engines, four tour ladders, two tankers, a cascade apparatus, and two other vehicles used for equipment.
Authorities haven't disclosed the cause of the fire. Kramer said one of the department's firefighters was taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion.
In an update, the fire department said two more firefighters were treated at the scene for the same thing.
