HOUSTON – Three people were injured Sunday in a large townhouse complex fire in southeast Houston, officials said.
The fire was reported around 9 p.m. at the Zollie Scales Manor Apartments in the 4000 block of Corder Street.
Fire officials said they heard and felt what seemed to be an explosion while arriving at the scene. Firefighters surrounded the blazing building to keep the flames from spreading and attacked the massive fire, officials said.
Officials said one person was taken to a hospital with second-degree burns. Two other people suffered minor injuries.
Firefighters said they believe everyone got out of the building but performed a second search.
It took hours to extinguish the flames.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church located at 7701 Jutland Road to assist those displaced by the fire. The shelter opened at 12 a.m.
The organization estimated that about 24 units in the complex were damaged.
Red Cross volunteers provided residents in need with a safe, warm place to sleep, food and emotional support for those with immediate, disaster-caused needs, the organization said.
Disaster caseworkers met with displaced families, assed their needs and will help with recovery plans.