Three-Alarm TX Commercial Fire Brings Hazmat Units

A commercial building fire in Houston’s Garden Oaks neighborhood went to three alarms and brought a response from the department’s hazmat team.

The fire was reported early Friday morning, sending heavy smoke into the air, and responding firefighters set up aerial ladders and pulled multiple handlines for defensive fire operations.

Officials were unsure of what type of business occupied the structure, raising concerns that there may have been solvents inside and prompting deployment of hazmat personnel and a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

Fire officials lifted the shelter request once firefighters got control of the fire and were able to fully assess the threat.