WHAT: Apartment fire.
WHEN: November 24, 2023, at 6:32 a.m.
WHERE: 696 Pineloch Dr. 77598.
INJURIES: One child treated on scene and two firefighters transported to the hospital.
PROPERTY SAVED: $310,000 in estimated property saved.
DAMAGE: $250,000 in estimated damage.
CAUSE: The suspect Rueben Colbert, 36, is charged with 1st Degree Felony Arson of a habitation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find fire coming from the first floor and spreading to second floor of an apartment building. They made an offensive attack, controlling the fire from the exterior before entering the units. A primary and secondary search were completed, and the residents were evacuated. The utilities were secured, and the nearby exposures were protected. The crews pulled the ceiling to check for extension and extinguished a fire in the attic space. HFD Arson investigators were requested to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
A child was injured when they escaped through their window and was treated on scene by HFD EMS. One firefighter suffered from breathing problems, and another injured their shoulder. Both firefighters were transported to the hospital.
39 personnel responded to this incident, including crews from Stations 93, 23, 70, 71, 52, 61, 72, 94, 37, 24, 33 and Rescue 42.