Photos/Story By Ken Paradowski

The fire began on February 26, 2002 just after 6:30 PM. Approximately 30 pieces of apparatus and over 100 firefighters were needed to fight the fire.

The firefighter’s efforts were hampered by strong north winds.

Weakening walls forced firefighters out of the building and into a defensive mode of operation.

Four aerial ladders with ladder pipes and numerous handlines were used on the fire.

At least 18 families were displaced by the fire which occurred on a night when Houston was experiencing record cold temperatures.

The fire was tapped out the next morning and fire crews stayed on the scene well into the day for cleanup and overhaul.