HOUSTON – Dozens of northwest Harris County apartments were damaged or destroyed in a three-alarm blaze that may have been sparked by an oxygen tank.
Firefighters were sent to the Monticello apartments in the 13900 block of Ella Boulevard at 6:30 a.m.
Fire officials said that a woman got her oxygen hose too close to the stove and it started burning, igniting her oxygen tank.
"The lady that was on oxygen got up this morning to make coffee. Her oxygen line got on the burner of the stove, which melted the line and started the fire," said Chad Shaw, the fire marshal.
Three people were injured, including one firefighter and two residents. The firefighter was hurt when a water hose exploded. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
Residents went door-to-door to help wake up and evacuate the complex.
Nakisha Mason started looking for a blind woman stuck inside.
"We went and knocked on the doors to wake up the neighbors and (I was told) someone was inside. She was blind, but I couldn't get to her because the smoke was too much. It was blazing," Mason said.
"I had my baby and my stepsister, and we came out running. It was already burning," resident Wendy Trejo said.
It took hours to get the fire under control.
Thirty-two apartments were damaged or destroyed by fire and water, authorities said.
"It's real devastating. I'm shaking. But I thank God -- I'm not worried about anything. I'm just glad I got out of there," resident Misty Paris said.
Apartment managers are trying to place the fire victims in unoccupied units so they will have a place to stay.
A charity drive for fire victims will be held at the Polo Club on Cranbrook apartments, 14531 Ella Boulevard. Organizers asked for clothing, appliance or monetary donations.