Photos/Story by KEN PARADOWSKI

The Houston three alarm warehouse fire started just after midnight on 8/2/02.

The warehouse was loaded with sacks of cement.

First in units began a defensive attack because the building was heavily involved upon arrival.

Approximately 30 units from the Houston Fire department as well as units from the nearby petrochemical plants were dispatched to the scene.

Mulitple aerial ladder pipes and deck guns were used.

The building was completely destroyed.

Nearby petroleum storage tanks were protected with ground mounted monitors.

The fire was tapped out approximately 2.5 hours later and crews remained on the scene throughout the day cooling hot spots while heavy equipment was used for overhaul.