Flames ripped through a townhome in Houston's Astrodome area early Wednesday morning, alerting the sleeping residents to a blaze that would incur tens of thousands in damages. The fire began at approximately 4:03 a.m. in the 2100 block of Engelmohr St. 77054, as reported by the City of Houston News. No one was injured in the incident that saw brave responders save an estimated $330,000 worth of property.

Smoke alarms blared the early alarm for residents, who initially attempted to control the fire themselves. Their efforts, however, did not smother the flames, prompting an urgent call to 9-1-1. According to the City of Houston News, the fire department responded swiftly, with personnel arriving within a six-minute window. Battling the fire, located on the first floor, they managed to keep the damage at bay, estimated at $30,000.

The origin of the fire has been traced back to a charger for a lithium battery. As crews from Stations 33, 21, 46, 24, and Heavy Rescue 11 rushed to the scene, their training and expertise were pivotal in ensuring that the fire did not extend beyond its starting point, thus safeguarding not just property, but the potential loss of life.

In total, 40 firefighters were on the scene, undertaking the crucial task of extinguishing the blaze and ventilating the home to clear the remnants of smoke. "Crews found and extinguished the fire and ensured there was no extension," the local news site detailed.