2-Alarm Apartment Fire in the Clear Lake Area

WHAT: 2-Alarm Apartment Fire.

WHEN: August 18, 2022 at 4:51 p.m.

WHERE: 240 El Dorado Blvd, 77598.

INJURIES: One firefighter was inquired, treated on scene and remained on duty.

PROPERTY SAVED: Not available.

DAMAGE: $695,000 in estimated damage. (12 apartment units damaged).

CAUSE: Natural (caused by lightning).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Firefighters arrived on scene within a minute to find fire coming through the roof of a 2-story apartment building and began an attack. Aerial operations were set up and a primary search was conducted. A second alarm was requested, and the power company was requested due to reports that part of the building was still energized despite turning the power off to the building. The fire was contained, and a secondary search was completed. 12 apartment units were damaged. HFD Arson investigators responded to the scene to determine the cause and origin. Two Metro buses were requested for rehab due to the heavy rain and lightning. The American Red Cross was notified to assist the residents. One firefighter was injured while forcing entry and was treated on scene, remaining on duty. Crews from Stations 23, 8, 20, 26, 70, 71, 36, 61, 72, 93, 94, 11, 18, 55, 37, 24, 30, Rescue 42 and Rehab 17 responded to this incident.