Houston – About 20 people are without a home in north Houston after a deadly apartment fire on Wednesday night.
It happened at the Independence Hall apartments near Airline Drive and Tidwell Road.
According to property management, this is an independent living facility for people with disabilities.
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Houston Fire said one person was found dead, and three others were injured, including a man who jumped off the balcony for safety.
Houston police said the person who died was a 74-year-old man and there is no evidence of foul play.
One of the people who lost their home is Manuel Hernandez, who said he’s been living at this apartment complex for almost 30 years.
“I’ve been here 28 years,” said Hernandez. “I never knew I’d be homeless.”
Hernandez said he was in the parking lot when the fire was happening.
“I saw fire, flames and smoke everywhere,” said Hernandez. “Where am I going to sleep? That’s what I’m thinking."
Houston Fire communications director Brent Taylor said the fire appeared to start at the 74-year-old man’s unit, but the cause is under investigation.
Taylor said firefighters are familiar with this property, as they’ve responded before in the past.
“We’re sensitive to the needs of the people here,” Taylor said
Taylor told KPRC 2 that the residents being disabled at this property does add a layer of complexity, but did not cause any delays with rescuing.
One of the people rescued was in a wheelchair and another was bedbound, according to Taylor.
Richard Taylor, a disabled veteran, lives just a few doors down from the building where the fire happened.
He said he moved to this apartment complex 17 years ago because of the concrete ramps, in case of a fire.
“I’m not afraid of much, but fire really bothers me,” Taylor said. “I’ve been burned before and don’t want to go through it again."
Houston Fire said 24 units were impacted by the fire but not all of them were occupied. Independence Hall has 292 units total.
Red Cross is assisting anyone impacted by the fire.
“The Red Cross will continue working with these families over the coming days and weeks to connect them with community resources,” said Shawn Schulze, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Houston Chapter. “In time of crisis, our dedicated staff and volunteers are ready to help support their community and neighbors at a moment’s notice. No one should ever have to go through a crisis alone.”
