WHAT: Apartment fire.
WHEN: February 12, 2024, at 12:57 p.m.
WHERE: 5505 Pine St. 77081.
INJURIES: No reported injuries.
PROPERTY SAVED: $3,140,000 in estimated property saved.
DAMAGE: $110,000 in estimated damage.
CAUSE: Failure of equipment or heat source (electrical).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find smoke coming from a 2-story apartment building. They made an offensive attack and conducted a primary search. Crews ventilated the unit and checked for extension. The utilities were secured, and the fire was extinguished. Four units were affected by the fire with several others having smoke and water damage. The apartment manager stated they had vacant units for those displaced. The fire was determined to be caused by an electrical issue after a tenant plugged in a microwave and heard popping and saw sparks. The fire extended up within the wall to the second floor and roof. Firefighters advised apartment management to have a licensed electrician inspect the wiring and make needed repairs before turning the power back on. 47 personnel responded to this incident, including crews from Stations 82, 2, 28, 68, 83, 37, 48, 51, 34, 60 and 24.