HOUSTON, TX – More than 100 firefighters responded to a massive apartment fire that destroyed an entire building and displaced multiple residents early this morning.
Crews were dispatched around 8:33 a.m. to the Corridor at Westchase apartments, located at 11201 Olympia Drive in west Houston. The first units arrived on scene at 8:37 a.m. and discovered heavy flames coming from Building 34, which housed 16 units. The fire quickly escalated to a 2-11 alarm, prompting a large-scale response from the Houston Fire Department.
According to officials, the entire building was a total loss. Five of the 16 units were reportedly unoccupied at the time. The blaze was fully contained and extinguished by 10 a.m.
Apartment management is working to rehouse displaced residents within the complex. The Red Cross was also contacted to provide additional support and resources.
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. No residents reported witnessing the origin of the blaze, and speculation remains unconfirmed. Wind was a factor in the spread of the fire, according to fire officials, who implemented tactics to address the wind-driven conditions.
Five individuals were treated on scene. Of those five, two were transported, one for smoke inhalation and the other for a non-fire-related medical issue. A firefighter experienced a minor issue on scene but was not transported.
Officials confirmed that two residents jumped from a second-story window to escape the fire. Maintenance staff placed a couch below the window to help break their fall. When HFD arrived, firefighters also assisted in rescuing two additional individuals from the second floor.
Fire investigators remain on scene, and the cause is still under investigation. No fatalities were reported.
You can watch the full update from HFD below:
