A fire at Ashfort Saint Cloud Apartments in southwest Houston displaced about 100 residents after erupting on Thursday in the 14700 block of Hillcroft. The blaze, which damaged around 40 units, spread quickly due to strong winds, with the Houston Fire Department working throughout the afternoon to contain it. Smoke from the fire was visible for miles, and the cause is under investigation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families, as reported by CW39.
There were no reported injuries from the fire, and all residents appeared to have evacuated safely. Houston Fire Department officials confirmed the outcome, with Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Sky-Eagle stating, "This was a success, because the citizens got out on their own," and noting the risks of wind-driven fires, according to Houston Chronicle.
Around 200 firefighters responded to a fire reported at 2 p.m. and contained it by 3:15 p.m., a resident with volunteer firefighter experience, noticed smoke and immediately evacuated. "When he saw smoke coming from a neighboring building, he quickly and calmly evacuated the area," Portillo told the Houston Chronicle. The fire's cause is still under investigation by arson investigators. No severe injuries were reported, and relief efforts are helping affected residents rebuild.
