HOUSTON – Two people were hospitalized after a fire broke out in a first-floor room at the Deluxe Inn overnight, leaving one person in critical condition and displacing occupants from about 20 rooms.

According to Deputy Chief Bryan Sky-Eagle of the Houston Fire Department, firefighters responded to a first-floor hotel fire and found that the first victim had already self-evacuated from the burning room. The victim suffered major burns and smoke inhalation and was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

A second victim, who was staying in the room directly above the fire, also self-evacuated before firefighters arrived. She was transported to a hospital in stable condition with smoke inhalation and burns.

Deputy Chief Sky-Eagle said the hotel’s older-style construction presented additional challenges. He noted that the building has only one entrance and exit for each room, with no secondary exit. Although the rooms have windows, they are about six feet high, making them difficult to use as an escape route during an emergency.

Firefighters arrived within approximately three to four minutes and quickly brought the fire under control, preventing more extensive damage. Deputy Chief Sky-Eagle said the fast response likely kept the incident from becoming much worse.

The Houston Fire Department’s Arson Division responded to the scene with accelerant-detection canines to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

Approximately 20 rooms at the Deluxe Inn sustained smoke and fire damage. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist displaced occupants. Officials said they do not yet know how many people will require assistance because they have not been able to account for every occupied hotel room.

Hotel management was at the scene but declined to provide a statement.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.