A domestic dispute at a northeast Harris County apartment complex erupted into a major fire that gutted 13 units, left one building beyond repair, and sent a firefighter to the hospital. Officials say a woman is in custody after flames tore through Building 13 at the South Lake Villas apartments, displacing dozens of residents who have been told they cannot go back inside because of structural collapse concerns.
Crews first knocked the fire down, only to be called back when flames rekindled in the attic and spread through the building. During that later response, part of a second-floor ceiling collapsed, injuring at least one firefighter who was taken to a hospital.
How the fire started
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office told investigators the blaze began when a woman burned her boyfriend’s clothes in a barbecue pit on a second-floor patio. Crews initially put the flames out, but hotspots later reignited, and the fire moved into the attic and adjacent units in Building 13, according to Click2Houston.
Investigators say the incident grew out of a domestic dispute and that the woman faces one count of reckless arson.
Fire response hampered by access and wind
Fire officials and reporters at the scene said crews ran into problems just getting in to fight the blaze and secure enough water. District Chief Matt Hathorn told ABC13 that damaged gates at the complex forced firefighters to cut their way in so they could bring in large apparatus, and the closest hydrants were across the street.
Officials said gusting winds helped stir embers and brought hotspots roaring back during the second round of firefighting. In that later response, a fire captain was injured when part of the second floor collapsed. Witness Mario Thompson described the chaotic scene as neighbors watched from outside, saying “the roof had caved in.”
Damage, displacement and who responded
Fire marshals described Building 13 as irreparably damaged and warned residents they could not return to retrieve belongings because of the risk of structural collapse, according to Click2Houston.
The blaze spread into 13 units and left dozens of people without homes. Multiple agencies responded, including the Channelview, Westfield and Crosby fire departments, as well as ESD No. 12 alongside Harris County Emergency Services District No. 60. The scene remains under investigation, and officials have not released the suspect’s identity.
Next steps for residents and investigators
Investigators say charges are pending and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing its probe, per ABC13. Local agencies are coordinating support for displaced residents and working with property managers as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
Neighbors said they are left picking through what little they could salvage from the charred units after the blaze.
