No injuries reported after fire damages 9 units at southwest Houston apartment complex, HFD says
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An apartment building on Wallingford Road near Westheimer, once engulfed in flames, now sits in the middle of this southwest Houston community. Nine units are deemed unsalvageable.
"We arrived on scene. We already had fire in the attic. There were nine units involved. Luckily, all the nine units had been evacuated when we arrived. It was a defensive operation," Houston Fire Department District Chief Robert Ross said.
The Houston Fire Department isn't saying how many people had to be evacuated and need a place to stay. Fire officials only said five of the units had people living in them.
Crews were able to get the flame under control in about 20 minutes with the help of about 75 firefighters as neighbors across the street stood in shock.
"I just basically watched as it burned. And it was like, I could feel the heat from the fire, basically. That's how close I was. It was shocking to see, basically," Winter Johnson said.
While the fire has been put out, they are thinking of their fellow community members who will have to find a new place to call home.
"I just hope everyone's able to replace their lives. Basically, they just lost their livelihood. They have to come home to this. It's pretty sad," Johnson said.
HFD says the Red Cross is assisting anyone who needs housing. The cause hasn't been determined. Crews believe the fire originated in the attic.
