WHAT: Mulch fire.
WHEN: Dispatched on August 13, 2023 at 2:21 p.m.
WHERE: 5802 Crawford, 77041.
INJURIES: No reported injuries.
PROPERTY SAVED: $2,000,000 in estimated property saved.
DAMAGE: Not available.
CAUSE: Act of nature / wind driven (equipment ignited the fire).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: HFD responded promptly, arriving on the scene within six minutes. Over the course of about an hour, the situation showed signs of improvement as the fire began to be better contained. To assess the remaining spot fires, the Houston Fire Department (HFD) utilized a drone.
Unfortunately, the situation took an unexpected turn when the winds picked up, leading to a surge in fire intensity and reduced visibility due to thick smoke. This escalation prompted the fire to spread toward a nearby warehouse. HFD swiftly shifted their focus to managing the fire while protecting the warehouse. As a result HFD was able to protect the warehouse from the fire. It is estimated that approximately 2 million dollars of equipment, materials and property was saved.
HFD crews worked diligently over night to contain the mulch fire and protect both lives and property. 24 units (with 53 personnel) responded to this incident, including crews from Stations 68, 77, 4, 5, 78, 13, 49, 50, 15, Hazmat 66, Rehab 17, and the Cy-Fair Fire Department.
The fire has been contained with HFD crews clearing the location at about 5 a.m. this morning, August 14. This operation has been turned over to US Fire Pump, a private fire protection company, who will continue to extinguish this fire. They have a water source in place as well as tractors to help move the huge piles of mulch. According to US Fire Pump representative this mulch fire may take up to a week to extinguish.
The top priority is the safety and well-being of our community. The Houston Health Department is currently monitoring the air quality. As of now there is nothing that would prompt a shelter in place or evacuation. As a precaution, any person prone to respiratory problems may want to remain indoors or cover with a mask when outside near the area.
This is the second reported mulch fire this year at this location. In February 2023, equipment ignited a fire and high winds helped to spread it. It caused about $600,000 in estimated damage for the business with no structural loss.