HOUSTON – A fire tore through an apartment complex in Houston’s Galleria area on Thanksgiving afternoon.
“We received multiple calls about an apartment fire,” said HFD District Chief Mo Davis. “Several callers reported multiple units involved. When Engine 60 arrived, they found four units fully engulfed in flames.”
The fire was reported around 3:40 p.m. in the 2300 block of Lazy Hollow Drive.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within three minutes and started putting out the flames.
Within 20 minutes, the fire was mostly out. However, it four apartments were entirely destroyed and others have water and smoke damage.
“Thankfully, no one was found inside,” Davis said. “We conducted a primary and secondary search to ensure no one was missed. Despite the heavy flames and zero visibility, the crews did a great job handling this quickly.”
Residents reported witnessing the fire’s rapid spread. Lucas Castro, who lives in the complex, said he was outside when the fire broke out.
“I saw flames coming out, and everyone started running,” Castro said. “It destroyed everything, but thankfully, no one was hurt. We lost everything, but we’re alive, and that’s what matters.”
The fire department has called in arson investigators after reports suggested the fire might have been intentionally set.
“We received reports from dispatch that someone may have started the fire,” Davis said. “Arson is investigating, and there’s supposedly video footage that might help us determine what happened.”
KPRC 2 obtained video from a neighbor showing at least two kids inside a reported abandoned apartment. The video then goes through the open front door where flames are seen growing inside.
Among those affected was Barbara Rios, whose two cats were rescued by firefighters.
“I was scared and didn’t have time to get them out,” Rios said. “I’m so thankful to the firefighters for saving my cats. It’s Thanksgiving, and I’m grateful for that.”
No injuries were reported.
The Houston Fire Department’s Arson Investigators continue their investigation.
