24 units destroyed after massive fire at apartment complex in north Houston, officials say

HOUSTON – A massive fire forced residents out of their homes at a north Houston apartment complex Sunday.

The fire broke out at Timbers of Cranbrook located in the 14000 block of Ella Boulevard around 8:15 p.m.

Several renters now say they are concerned about their own apartment after watching the large fire that destroyed 24 units.

“I can’t describe it. It looked like hell, to be honest,” said renter Mark Lewis.

The Little York Fire Department said the fire was so large and fast, they had to request backup from the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office. Officials said it took about 90 minutes to contain the fire.

“I was just watching and it started to get bad so I was like, ‘Oh, no! Let me get my things out of the house just in case.’ I started taking everything out,” Lewis said.

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Germaine Francis, a resident who has lived at the apartment complex for six years, said he is now worried about the safety of his building.

“It’s like, something has to be done,” he said.

As for the renters who lost their apartments, the Red Cross is helping. A spokesperson said they are assisting eight families who were displaced, and have referred others to local organizations.

KPRC 2 reached out to the Timbers on Cranbrook about the fire but we have not heard back.


About the Authors:

Zachery “Zach” Lashway anchors KPRC 2+ Now. He began at KPRC 2 as a reporter in October 2021.