Houston Firefighters Rescue Approximately 20 Residents During Two-Alarm Apartment Fire

HOUSTON, Texas — Houston firefighters rescued approximately 20 residents from a burning apartment complex Tuesday morning after a fire spread through a third-floor building and into the attic.

The Houston Fire Department responded at approximately 6:05 a.m. on June 30 to an apartment fire on South Bartell Drive near Houston Stadium.

First-arriving crews encountered heavy smoke and flames on the third floor and immediately began attacking the fire while rescuing a resident stranded on a balcony.

As the fire and smoke spread through interior hallways and into the attic, additional residents sought refuge on balconies and inside their apartments while awaiting rescue.

Firefighters completed approximately 20 rescues during the incident, including one disabled resident who was fitted with a breathing air pack before being safely evacuated.

The fire was upgraded to a two-alarm response before crews brought it under control.

One civilian was transported to a hospital for observation, and one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.

According to the Houston Fire Department, 16 apartment units sustained damage from fire and smoke.

The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast responded to assist displaced residents with temporary housing and recovery services.

Houston Fire Department Arson investigators interviewed a resident at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.