Fire forces homeowner outside into freezing weather

HOUSTON – A homeowner told Local 2 he believes the furnace in his attic sparked a fire that destroyed his home Thursday morning.

Houston firefighters responded to the scene of the fire, on Pella Drive near Hendon Lane, around 2:15 a.m. Thursday.

The homeowner said he woke up and realized the smoke alarm was going off. He managed to escape the home, but became trapped when the fence surrounding his backyard caught fire.

Once firefighters arrived, crews managed to rescue the homeowner and transport him to a safe location.

With temperatures threatening to dip below freezing, neighbors brought a coat and gloves for the homeowner to help him stay warm.

Fire officials said the fire was contained mainly to the attic, where the flames burned through the roof of the home. Investigators said the burning roof crumbled in the hot flames, eventually collapsing on the home below.

The homeowner said that nothing inside the home was salvageable. His only remaining belonging was his truck, which was parked in the driveway in front of the home.