Residents of an apartment complex in Houston were rescued from their balconies during a dramatic two-alarm fire early Tuesday morning. Firefighters acted swiftly to assist approximately 20 individuals as flames and smoke enveloped parts of the building.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. at an apartment complex located at the intersection of Westridge Street and Main Street, just north of the South Loop. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered several residents stranded on their second and third-floor balconies, prompting the call for additional units to aid in the rescue effort.
Fire crews successfully evacuated around 20 residents, while also managing to contain the fire that caused damage to 16 apartment units. Among those rescued was an individual with disabilities, highlighting the challenging conditions faced during the emergency.
In the process, one firefighter suffered from heat exhaustion but thankfully did not require hospitalization. Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is currently being questioned in relation to the incident.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation as officials work to determine how the event unfolded.
