Wind Spreads Balcony Fire at Southwest Houston Apartments

Strong winds helped push a fire across an apartment building in southwest Houston on Friday afternoon, affecting 12 units and leaving several residents without homes. The Houston Fire Department said no one was hurt.

What happened

The fire broke out around 2 p.m. on Oct. 16 at The Athena apartments, 10101 Forum Park Drive, between Bissonnet Street and Sugar Branch Drive, according to KPRC/Click2Houston. FOX 26 Houston reported that crews saw fire and smoke coming from the roof, upgraded the response to two alarms to bring more resources, and declared the fire under control at about 2:45 p.m.

Officials told FOX 26 that 12 units were impacted. Reports have not given a firm count of how many people were displaced. FOX 26 said several residents lost their homes, and the American Red Cross is assisting them.

A neighbor's warning

One tenant, Anthony DeVeaux, told Click2Houston he smelled smoke and then heard a knock at his door. When he opened it, he said, he saw about 10 units "totally engulfed." He then went door to door helping neighbors get out. That figure is his own estimate from the scene, and the fire department's official count is 12 affected units.

Cause

The Houston Fire Department said the fire appears to have started on a second-floor balcony where someone may have been barbecuing. FOX 26 noted that this has not been confirmed, and the official cause remains under investigation. Strong winds were reported to have spread the flames.

What this means for renters

Balcony fires are a recurring hazard in multifamily buildings, and wind can turn a small flame into a building-wide emergency in minutes. Renters can reduce the risk and prepare for the worst:

• Check your lease and local fire code. Many leases and many local fire codes restrict charcoal and gas grills on balconies or within a set distance of the building. Ask your property manager what applies where you live.
• Never leave a grill unattended, and keep it away from railings, siding and overhangs, especially on windy days.
• Keep a go-bag. ID, medications, phone chargers and key documents should be easy to grab. Neighbors often become the first alarm, as this fire showed, so knock on doors on your way out.
• Carry renters insurance. A landlord's policy generally covers the building, not your belongings. Renters insurance can help with replacement costs and temporary housing.

If you were displaced

Residents who lost their homes should contact the Red Cross, ask the property manager in writing about timelines for repairs and any rent adjustments, and keep receipts for lodging and necessities. Local legal aid can explain tenant protections that apply after a fire.

The Houston Fire Department has not released a final cause. We will update this story if officials do.