HOUSTON – Firefighters are still trying to determine the cause of a raging apartment fire in Spring.
When it started shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday at the Polo Club On Cranbrook Apartments on Ella Boulevard near Kuykendahl, Antonette Farmer first noticed smoke passing her patio window. She then saw more smoke filtering from her closet.
"A minute later, just flames started bursting out of the closet," said Farmer. "And I was like, 'OK, let's get what we can and let's get out. Let's go.'"
It was a mad rush to remove not only as many personal belongings for her and her kids, but also to get out their cats. That task proved to be difficult.
"I tried to get the cats out," said Farmer. "I kept throwing them out the apartment and they just kept running right back in."
When firefighters arrived, they went in and were able to rescue all of Farmer's cats. Two were in bad condition, but are reportedly recovering and are expected to survive.
As firefighters extinguished the remaining smoke and flames, Farmer said she was thankful to have her pets and her children safe and sound.
"I'm glad my babies are alive and that they're OK and that they didn't get any smoke damage to their lungs," Farmer said.
The fire destroyed one building. The families whose units were damaged are staying in temporary shelter provided by the Red Cross.