Flames tore through an apartment in the Great Fifth Ward district early on January 24, sending one to the hospital and racking up an estimated $15,000 in damage. The blaze, which trailed smoke from a 2-story building at 5620 Market St., drew a rapid response from the Houston Fire Department (HFD).
According to official reports, the call came in at 4:38 a.m., and firefighters were quick to quickly assemble, arriving within four precise minutes to combat the fire that an initial investigation later deemed accidental. The HFD's offensive attack was initiated after crews observed smoke emanating from the building, with the fire located and subdued within a wall of the edifice.
The incident necessitated medical attention for one injured civilian, who was transported to a local hospital after experiencing trouble breathing, likely a consequence of smoke inhalation. HFD Arson investigators, called to the scene to unravel the origins of the fire, concluded their inquiry with the finding that the incident was accidental.
A sizeable team of firefighters, with a total of 31 personnel, responded from Stations 19, 20, 17, 27, 41, and 27. These responders worked in unison to ensure that the threat was neutralized and to avoid further escalating an already dangerous situation. While the damage was substantial, the exact value of the property saved has not been made publicly available.
Residents of the Great Fifth Ward have been shaken by the incident, reminding the community of the ever-present threat of fire in densely populated urban settings. Details on the condition of the hospitalized civilian have not been released.
