VIDEO: Heavy fire rips through abandoned SW Houston apartments, firefighter hospitalized

HOUSTON – Multiple crews from the Houston Fire Department were called to a heavy fire at what appears to be an abandoned apartment complex on the city’s southwest side.

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The fire happened a little after 10 p.m. near the intersection of Riddlewood Lane and Link Valley Drive, not far from S. Loop 610. HFD firefighters said they could see flames from their station as they rushed to the scene.

District Chief 21 said crews went defensive almost immediately, deploying two aerial units and a deck gun to protect nearby three-story residences just south of the fire. It took about an hour to get the bulk of the flames under control.

No residents were reported inside the abandoned complex, though authorities noted squatters had been there in the past.

One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation as crews worked to mop up hot spots.