Flames erupted over Houston Methodist’s Texas Medical Center campus Friday afternoon, sending a dark plume above the hospital complex as firefighters rushed to the roof. The blaze looked dramatic from surrounding neighborhoods, but officials said patients and employees were not in danger.
The fire broke out on the roof of Houston Methodist’s Centennial Tower and triggered a two-alarm response from the Houston Fire Department, according to ABC13 Houston. Houston Methodist official Amy McCaig said a piece of equipment caused the fire, which spread into a section of roof insulation.
Firefighters contained the flames without requiring an evacuation, and no injuries were reported. Smoke was visible for miles, while SkyEye13 footage showed crews working around active flames on the hospital roof.
The Fire Hit A Major New Hospital Tower
Centennial Tower is Houston Methodist’s new 26-story hospital project, designed to add nearly 400 patient beds, expanded emergency services and additional operating rooms. The hospital’s official project description says phased opening is expected to begin in 2027.
State construction records describe the tower as a major new hospital facility still under development, with mechanical floors and other roof-level infrastructure included in the project. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation lists the project as new construction with an estimated completion date in 2027.
As of Friday night, officials had not announced a damage estimate or said whether the fire would affect the tower’s construction schedule. The latest report from ABC13 Houston said there was no reported risk to patients or staff.
