Fifth Ward fire: At least 3 people rescued from burning Wheatley Apartments on Market Street near I-10 and Lockwood, HFD says
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Several families in the Fifth Ward will need to find a new place to live after a devastating fire broke out on Tuesday morning.
Just before 4 a.m., the Houston Fire Department said three to four people had to be rescued from the burning Wheatley Apartments on Market Street, near I-10 and Lockwood.
ABC13 spoke to a family who says they’re grateful they were able to get out in time.
Denise Grant said she was having a sleepless night when she noticed the fire.
“Eventually, my last toss and turn, I turned towards the door, and smoke was coming underneath the door, and I opened the door, and there came the fire,” she said.
Grant said she yelled out to her partner, and that they were able to get their four kids out safely.
Her partner said his attention then turned to their neighbors, and that he feared the worst.
“Once we got downstairs, I was knocking on windows and doors, screaming, trying to make sure people got out of there. I didn’t know people got out of there until late,” William Strickland said.
HFD said thankfully, no one was hurt. The Red Cross said it was assisting 12 families affected by the fire.
SkyEye flew over the building after the fire was out, showing the extent of the damage.
So far, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Some residents told ABC13 they’re questioning whether the smoke detectors went off as they should have.
Grant said they had just moved to these apartments a few months ago, and now everything they owned is gone. However, she said they are thankful that it wasn’t any worse.
“We’re safe, so for the most part, that’s what I’m going to appreciate. We are safe, and our neighbors were able to get out. Now just to figure out what to do next and how to move forward,” Grant said.
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