Heavy flames engulfed a Second Ward metal shop and warehouse last week, prompting a rapid response from the Houston Fire Department that eventually escalated to a two-alarm fire. According to a press release from the City of Houston, the incident occurred last Saturday, at approximately 7:07 p.m. at a location on the 3900 block of Fox St. The blaze caused an estimated $600,000 in damage and sent thick smoke into the Houston skyline.
Witnesses at the scene described the fire as intense, with a firefighter needing evaluation for smoke inhalation. Houston Fire Department crews initiated an offensive attack to subdue the fire. A City of Houston press release emphasized the danger of the situation, mentioning that a transformer and powerlines were also affected by the fire, which led to CenterPoint Energy being alerted. The fire was later brought under control after a commendable collective effort by the responders.
Investigation into the cause of the fire, led by Houston Fire Department Arson investigators, has concluded it to be accidental. The City of Houston press release divulged that a total of 96 personnel were on the ground, including teams from Stations 9, 36, and 15, among others, as well as specialized units like Heavy Rescue 11 and Rehab 42.
The fire caused more than just flames—it also damaged a transformer and power lines, leading CenterPoint Energy to work on restoring electricity. The City of Houston said multiple agencies worked together to handle the situation safely. While there was a lot of property damage, thankfully no serious injuries were reported. Investigators are still looking into what exactly caused the fire.
