Fire Officials: House fire battle hindered by high winds

Wind-driven fire was extremely dangerous, say officials

HOUSTON – Fire crews said high winds on Sunday hindered their attempts to douse a house fire in northeast Houston.

The fire broke out at a home on Fulton near Hankla around 2 p.m. Sunday.

Fire officials said the home was fully engulfed by flames when they arrived.

Kevin Carley with the Houston Fire Department said the high winds made fighting the fire more difficult.

"It makes the fire more intense, and possibly spreading to other structures," said Carley. "But our biggest concern was the safety of our fire fighters."

Carley said anytime they have high winds, fire fighters take a different approach to fighting the blaze.

"We actually try to approach it from the upwind side so it doesn't just run us over," said Carley. "Typically, on an normal fire, we'd attack from the unburned side. Try to push the fire back into the burned area and protect the house."

Fire officials said two people inside the home managed to get out safely.

Jay Evans with the Houston Fire Department said people should avoid anything that requires the use of fire outside when high winds are blowing through town.

"We urge the public to not be barbequing this weekend, not to be using any type of fire at all around your home," said Evans. "Should you feel the need to use a barbecue pit, make sure you have a bucket of water handy so when you're finished, you can put your briquets in the bucket of water."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.