HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A fire ripped through a north Harris County apartment complex building, damaging six units, according to the Harris County Fire Marshals Office.
According to authorities, the fire broke out around 5 a.m. at building 13 of the Palms at Cypress Station apartment complex near Cypress Station Drive and Rustyleaf Lane.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said although the fire damaged multiple units, there have been no reports of injuries so far.
The Aldine, Ponderosa and Spring fire departments all showed up to help put the fire out. According to the Spring Fire Department Chief, the building was mostly empty.
According to the HCFMO, four of the six units were occupied, and 10 people have lost their home.
The HCFMO also said one of the residents heard the smoke alarm going off and called 911 before going door to door and making sure everyone was able to get out.
One woman whose family escaped with only their dog and the clothes on their backs said she had to rush to make it out safely.
"I smelled it," said Chantelle Push. "I believe one of the neighbors was knocking on the door but we were upstairs sleeping. I had to get my family, the dog was going crazy, we left with the clothes on our back and that was it. We just grabbed everybody, we couldn't find the dog for a while, but he's safe. Right now we're just trying to find somewhere to stay and I guess rebuild."
It took several hours for firefighters to put the flames out because they had to tap into another water source since there was only one hydrant inside the complex.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, but they have determined it started in the middle of the building in the attic area and spread from there.
The Red Cross is working to help the fire victims.