People jump from second-story balconies to escape West Houston apartment fire

Families in West Houston are searching for a warm place to stay after a large fire tore through a west Houston apartment complex Wednesday morning, prompting a massive response from the Houston Fire Department.

The 211-alarm blaze broke out around 8:33 a.m., with the first units arriving four minutes later to find an active fire at Building 34.

More than 100 firefighters worked to contain the flames, which ultimately affected all 16 units in the building, rendering it a total loss.

The flames were so intense, some residents had to jump from their second-story balconies to escape, with neighbors and maintenance staff using couches to break their fall. Two additional residents were assisted out by firefighters.

Five people were injured in the fire. Four were treated for smoke inhalation, with two transported to local hospitals, while one suffered a non-fire-related injury and was taken to West Houston Hospital. A firefighter was also evaluated on scene for a minor issue but did not require transport.

No fatalities were reported.

Residents could do little but pull out their phones to capture the chaos.

“That’s everything. That’s all you have left? Yes. Bible and then laptop,” said resident Alberto Nsue.

“Did somebody come knock on the door? No? We just see smoke in the apartment, and we start to run out. Did you try to tell other people that it was happening? No, because I was sleeping,” Nsue said.

Wind contributed to the spread of the fire, and some residents said they did not hear smoke alarms, though investigators have not yet confirmed this.

Nsue lives in building 34 with his younger sister. She said she was at school when the fire broke out, but Alberto had to flee with nothing but the clothes on his back.

“We don’t have a place to go. We’re going to look for a way to be with a friend for a while because we don’t know where we’re going,” Nsue said.

Fire investigators remain on scene working to determine the cause.

The Red Cross has been contacted to assist displaced residents.

“Medic 83, I credit them for immediately grabbing the ladder. As I got on scene, I assisted them, went to the back. They threw the ladder up and I went up the ladder and was able to help out the two elderly people that were trapped in the second floor on the backside of this apartment right here,” said Houston Fire Department Captain AJ Castillo.

Many residents are devastated by the loss but grateful for what was saved.

“I just ran out with my baby,” said Shontabia Peevy.

Peevy added that her 6-month-old daughter was checked out and is ok.

The fire was declared fully extinguished around 10 a.m., and crews continue to work on overhaul and rehabilitation operations.

The Houston Fire Department reminded the public that heating-related fires often increase during colder months and announced plans for a citywide fire safety awareness program.

Authorities urged residents to avoid the block while emergency responders remain on scene.