WHAT: 2-Alarm apartment fire.
WHEN: March 2, 2024, at 6:11 p.m.
WHERE: 6300 W. Bellfort Ave. 77035.
INJURIES: No reported injuries.
PROPERTY SAVED: $300,000 in estimated property saved.
DAMAGE: $570,000 in estimated damage (eight apartment units).
CAUSE: HFD Arson investigators ruled the cause as accidental (fire in attic or on roof).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Firefighters arrived on scene within four minutes to find heavy smoke coming from the roof of a 2-story apartment building. The crews secured the utilities and found the fire seated deep in the attic. They cut a hole in the roof to attempt to reach the fire, however it ignited with heavy black smoke. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm and firefighters were evacuated from the structure. A defensive attack was initiated. Once the fire was controlled, they re-entered and completed extinguishment. The roof was burned off and the building was severely damaged including eight units with approximately 25 residents. The American Red Cross was notified and sent a team to assist the tenants. HFD Arson investigators were requested to determine the cause and origin of the fire. 94 personnel responded to this incident, including crews from Stations 82, 2, 15, 21, 28, 59, 68, 10, 48, 51, 60, 69, 73, 80, 11, 6, 8, 37, 24, 57, 33, Rescue 10, Rehab 8 and 17.