HOUSTON – An investigation is underway after a three-alarm fire at an auto shop in southwest Houston Tuesday, crews with the Houston Fire Department said.
HFD responded to reports of a fire at Uptown Automotive located at 6511 Mapleridge St. around 3:50 a.m.
Firefighters said they arrived at the scene within four minutes to find smoke coming from the large commercial building.
HFD worked to put out the heavy flames. Additional manpower and companies were called to relieve the firefighters at the scene, officials said. The apartment/duplex building next door was also reportedly evacuated as a precaution.
No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported. Sixty cars were reportedly in the building when the fire started and four 50-gallon drums of oil made the blaze worse.
The building was continuously monitored after firefighters completely put out the flames around 9:30 a.m., according to HFD.
Arson is reportedly still at the scene investigating what caused the fire.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic.
@HoustonFire Update: HFD is still on scene performing extinguishment efforts after receiving reports of a building on fire at 6511 Mapleridge. No FF or civilian injuries have been reported. Arson is on scene. Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. @FireChiefofHFD pic.twitter.com/609BhUeXRu
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) December 20, 2022