2-Alarm Apartment Fire in The Eldridge / West Oaks Area

WHAT: 2-alarm fire.

WHEN: August 20, 2023, at 11:44 p.m.

WHERE: 12638 Ashford Meadow Dr. 77082.

INJURIES: No reported injuries.

PROPERTY SAVED: Not available.

DAMAGE: $250,000 in estimated damage.

CAUSE: HFD Arson investigators ruled the cause due to a juvenile playing with a lighter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Firefighters arrived on scene within two minutes to find fire coming from the roof of a 2-story apartment building. They made an attack on the fire and conducted a primary search. During the search, crews reported a collapse on the second floor and fire coming through the roof. A defensive attack was initiated, and all firefighters evacuated the building until the fire was controlled. A second alarm was requested for additional manpower and formal rehab was established. Crews rotated until the fire was extinguished and HFD Arson investigators were requested to determine the cause and origin. The fire was found to be caused by a young juvenile playing with a lighter. The juvenile was referred to the HFD Juvenile Fire Stoppers Program. The American Red Cross was requested to assist the residents. 90 personnel were dispatched to this incident, including firefighters from Stations 83, 69, 2, 28, 68, 78, 86, 90, 75, 76, 83, 8, 37, 24, 57, 33, Rescue 10 and Rehab 8.