An early morning blaze tore through a vacant commercial building in the Independence Heights area of Houston yesterday, causing an estimated $200,000 in damage and sending one firefighter to the hospital, the local fire department reported.
The fire broke out at a structure on the 4200 block of Airline Dr. 77022 on May 9, around 8:48 a.m., with flames visible upon the firefighters' arrival. Crew members breached the premises to combat the rapidly spreading fire, but were forced to retreat for a defensive stance as the ceiling's integrity weakened, as detailed in the dispatch at the official statement.
Hazardous materials teams were called to the scene due to concerns over potentially toxic water run-off, although the water was later tested and cleared of contamination. Firefighters from several units worked in rotations to subdue the flames, which were described as controlled and extinguished after an intense operation involving 63 personnel from various fire stations including Stations 15, 31, 34, 9, 11, 13, 58, 30, Hazmat and Rehab 8 and 17.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, however, arson investigators have been brought onto the scene in hopes of unraveling the mystery behind the conflagration. The identity and condition of the hospitalized firefighter have not yet been released, but their commitment to public safety was dramatically evidenced, by the risks undertaken in the line of duty on that fateful morning.
