3-Alarmer Hits Houston Assisted Living Center

March 21, 2011
A west Houston assisted living center caught fire Monday afternoon, and more than 100 residents were evacuated.
HOUSTON --

A west Houston assisted living center caught fire Monday afternoon, and more than 100 residents were evacuated.

Firefighters were called to the Treemont Retirement Community on Westerland Drive near Westheimer Road about 3:45 p.m. A second and third alarm were called a short time later for additional manpower.

Several ambulances were sent to the scene to help evacuate elderly residents from the three-story building. Some of the residents were in wheelchairs or used canes.

"I heard the alarm, the smoke alarms," a resident said.

Flames shot through the roof more than an hour after the fire began. Firefighters went into defensive mode because the fire was deemed too dangerous for them to work inside.

"We're getting all of the firefighters out, mainly concerned about the integrity of the building. There's been an extensive amount of damage because of the heavy fire. We want to get those people out to make sure they are safe," HFD Executive Assistant Chief Rick Flanagan said.

The fire was contained by 6 p.m.

One firefighter was checked out at a local hospital after he suffered chest pains. He is expected to be OK.

All of the residents were accounted for and no other injuries were reported, officials said.

There's no word yet on a possible cause.

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