Residents displaced after massive fire damages west Houston apartments

HOUSTON – A massive fire at an apartment complex was reported in west Houston on Friday, officials said. 

Crews were dispatched to an apartment located on Briargrove Drive near Fairdale Lane in west Houston.

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PHOTOS: Sky 2 aerials over huge apartment fire in west Houston

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Sky2 over a huge apartment fire in west Houston on Feb. 9, 2019.

Officials said about 75 firefighters were called to the scene and helped douse the flames. The flames were put out by 2 p.m. Arson investigators were at the scene to help determine the cause of the fire, which is still unknown.

"At 11:14 a.m. the fire department received a call that there was a structural fire here at this address. Five minutes later at 11:19 a.m. Engine 60 and Ladder 28 arrived," said Michael Mire, HFD assistant chief. "They did a great job holding it down until others arrived."

Firefighters said they are concerned for residents who lived in the damaged units and will contact the Red Cross to help assist the victims who are in need.

"I don't know what we're going to do right now, but this is where we're at," Mykeba King, a resident, said.

King said they were told they had to get what they could and leave.

"It's been a long road for us. We worked very hard for what we have, and so it's hard to leave it behind," King said.

Roberto Ramirez, another resident, said he lost everything.

"They gave us plastic to cover all our stuff but firefighters didn't let us go in anymore," Ramirez said.

He grabbed what was most precious to him.

"I first told my wife, 'Leave everything. Just get out the social security, paperwork, then just get out,'" Ramirez said.

Firefighters said the building affected had 27 units. Mire said his team was able to contain the fire to nine units. 

Investigators said no injuries were reported.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. 


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