60 apartments damaged or destroyed in 3-alarm fire

3 buildings at The Worthington Apartments burned

HOUSTON – A three-alarm fire ripped through three apartment buildings in north Houston on Monday, leaving dozens of families homeless.

Houston firefighters said the blaze broke out at The Worthington Apartments on Greens Parkway near Fall Lake Drive about 10:45 a.m.

About 130 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the flames. Firefighters said windy conditions gave them some problems.

"The wind took over and the wind carried the fire through the attic to two more buildings," HFD spokesman Jay Evans said. "We now have 60 apartments lost in this fire."

The intense heat melted outdoor lights. Parts of the building broke away after they were ravaged by flames.

Dozens of residents lost everything they had.

"I'm just overcome and praying they can get the fire out," resident Sabrina Irvin said. "Everything me and my two babies own is in this apartment."

"All my baby's pictures ... all that's gone," resident Penny Bright said.

Corey Frank said he is thankful that his family got out alive.

"My puppies are saved. My dogs are saved. My wife and kids are saved," he said. "But everything we own is gone."

At least one person suffered minor injuries, officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Several residents said they heard a neighbor complain about an electrical problem shortly before the fire broke out.

The management office is working with the American Red Cross to make sure the displaced residents have a place to stay for the night. Many of the residents said they did not have insurance.

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