Fire crews are battling a large fire at an abandoned building behind the Front Royale Apartments on Westview Drive near Gessner. Multiple collapses reported.
HOUSTON — Firefighters were back at the scene of a large apartment fire early Thursday morning in west Houston — the second fire this month at the same abandoned complex.
The fire broke out behind the Front Royale Apartments on Westview Drive near Gessner. Officials said the first 911 call came in around 3:30 a.m., and crews arrived to find heavy flames coming from the structure.
According to the district fire chief, crews were last called to the same site on October 7 for another fire. He said arson investigators have been out here several times before, and in at least one case, someone told investigators they started the fire.
The complex, which has been abandoned for nearly a decade, has become a spot frequented by a large homeless population, the chief said. He added that the property was slated for demolition, but repeated fires have continued to break out.
Firefighters say the building is part of a large complex, with occupied apartments next door and businesses nearby, creating extra concern about flames spreading. Crews reported multiple structural collapses and are still working to extinguish hot spots and prevent reignition.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, including among firefighters.
KHOU 11’s Julissa Garza is at the scene and will have live updates throughout the morning as crews continue to monitor the fire