Two escape southwest Houston house fire, but one dies inside

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A house fire in an upscale gated community in far southwest Houston cost the life of a woman inside the half million dollar home.

A 911 call reporting flames coming from the two story home on English Rose was made at 10am Wednesday.

Fire crews responded quickly; however, flames were travelling through the 3,300 square foot house. Two family members escaped. One person remained inside.

Firefighters found the woman on the second floor of the house, but she was already dead.

She and her husband are believed to own the 11-year-old home. The two people who escaped at believed to be family members as well.

HFD spokesperson, Captain Rui Lozano, says that an upper floor of a house or building is typically the most dangerous place to be during a fire. "So much of the materials in our homes, and our furnishings contain plastics. They emit a gas when they burn. Combine that with the heat, that's why most people in house fires die from smoke inhalation."

The name of the victim has not been released. Because the fire involves a fatality, arson is assigned to investigate, which is standard procedure.