Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Houston News
Text Size

2-Alarm Fire Destroys 8 Apartments

POSTED: Friday, May 2, 2008
UPDATED: 6:03 pm CDT May 2, 2008

A two-alarm fire destroyed part of a southwest Houston apartment complex on Friday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Firefighters were called to the Coral Gables apartment complex on Beechnut Street at Maplecrest shortly after 3 p.m.

The fire quickly spread to several units of one building and smoke could be seen for miles.

Fire officials worked in a defensive mode.

"The main thing we want to do in defensive mode is protect the general exposures of the fire. But the fire has practically gutted this entire complex," said Executive Assistant Chief Rick Flanagan of the Houston Fire Department. "Once the fire gets into the attic, it has a great possibility to spread because it can run the entire pathway of the attic. It looks like that may have been part of the process in this fire."

Eight units were destroyed by the flames and several others received smoke and water damage.

"We just snatched the baby and the rest of the kids and got out of there -- alerted the rest of the neighbors to get them out. I called 911," resident Giovani Banks said.

Banks lost everything in the fire. She said she believed it started in her son's bedroom.

No injuries were reported.

Arson officials are investigating the cause.

Apartment managers worked to relocate those who were displaced.
Text Size

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

By designing a great outdoor living space you can quickly enhance the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideosClick to Expand

    • Police Chase Ends Atop Parking Ramp

      July 6, 2009: A driver leads police on a chase through several cities and parts of the Houston area for more than an hour. Ryan Korsgard reports.

    • Chase Suspect Jumps To Death

      July 5, 2009: A man who was speeding away from authorities struck a concrete wall and jumped 50 feet to his death off a highway exit ramp. Lisa Baldwin reports.

    • Arrest Made In 2008 Slaying

      July 5, 2009: An arrest is made in a slaying the Wheel of Justice team has been following for more than a year. Joel Eisenbaum reports.

    • Forest Fire Rages West Of Houston

      July 6, 2009: Hundreds of acres of land have been burned by a forest fire west of Houston, KPRC Local 2 reports.

    • Home Lost In Forest Fire

      July 6, 2009: A forest fire in Colorado County has burned nearly 2,000 acres of land, KPRC Local 2 reports. Phil Archer reports.

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand