HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Fast-moving flames forced firefighters from at least seven different departments into action.
The call came in just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday. There was a fire in the 14000 block of Cleobrook Drive in northwest Harris County near Highway 249 and Cypresswood Drive.
Numerous neighbors were able to capture video after seeing the flames, but some were able to hear the commotion first.
"I opened the door and I heard the explosion," Natalie Hankla said. "And then our power went out."
VIDEO: Chopper aerials of house fire in NW Harris County
The fire started in a white house and quickly spread to the home next door. By the time firefighters arrived, a third house was in jeopardy because of embers being blown from pine trees.
"It was very scary and then, all the black smoke," Hankla said. "It was like a dark cloud had just dropped. I mean, we were having trouble breathing."
In addition to fighting the fire, firefighters helped people in two of the homes get out as the fire was raging.
"With the wind-driven fire, it was able to move to the second house," Public Information Officer Rachel Moreno, from the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, said. "And then, additionally, (it) caused the third house to have some minimal damage."
In addition to causing two families to nearly lose their homes, the fire knocked out power to about 500 customers for several hours. But neighbors said, without the quick work of the firefighters, the situation could've been much worse.
"They were working quickly and swiftly and got everybody to safety," Hankla said. "We all appreciate that."
The Fire Marshal's Office said the fire likely started in the kitchen of one of the homes and quickly spread to the home's garage. The office is still investigating the cause.
One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion and released at the scene.