HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Fire Department continues to respond to fires at and near a former recycling warehouse on Semmes Street, with at least three notable incidents in the past 18 months, including one that caused over $1 million in damages.
Most recently, on May 17, 2025, around 8:34 p.m., HFD was dispatched to 2009 Semmes Street where flames were coming from a vacant warehouse known for illegal dumping of recyclable materials. Firefighters worked for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to bring the blaze under control. No injuries were reported.
On April 24, 2024, firefighters responded to a fire at 1999 Semmes Street around 2:15 p.m. Fire crews found fire coming from the side of a large, abandoned warehouse and initiated an offensive attack. The fire was extinguished and HFD Arson investigators were requested to determine the cause. No injuries were reported. Forty-six personnel responded, including crews from Stations 8, 19, 9, 12, 27, 6, 30, and Hazmat.
On November 11, 2023, a two-alarm fire broke out at 2000 Semmes Street at approximately 9:03 a.m. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and found heavy flames coming from a plastics recycling warehouse. A defensive attack was made and a second alarm was requested. Hose lines and aerial operations were used, and HFD Hazardous Materials teams monitored runoff, reporting no abnormal readings. CenterPoint secured utilities and checked for gas leaks, with none found. A Firewatch was established after the fire was extinguished. The cause was ruled accidental due to an unspecified electrical fault. An estimated $1,000,000 in damages was reported. No injuries occurred. Ninety-eight personnel responded from multiple stations.
The Houston Fire Department has not released further updates, but the pattern of fires and illegal dumping activity remains a concern.
