Two-Alarm Apartment Fire in Houston Injures Three, Causes $1.5 Million in Damage

A two-alarm fire broke out at an apartment complex located at 2832 S. Bartell Dr. in the South Main area of Houston at 5:43 a.m. on January 2, 2025.

Houston Fire Department (HFD) crews arrived to find flames coming from the second floor, with residents jumping from balconies of adjoining units. A second alarm was requested as firefighters assisted residents to safety and worked to extinguish the fire from the exterior.

Two civilians and one firefighter sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital. The firefighter suffered a leg injury and was taken for evaluation.

HFD Arson investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by the careless disposal of smoking material. The estimated damage is $1.5 million.

A total of 120 personnel responded, including crews from multiple HFD stations. Firefighters ventilated the building and ensured all hotspots were extinguished before clearing the scene.