HOUSTON
--
Firefighters in southeast Houston became the target of thieves while they were out battling a grass fire, investigators said.
Houston police said Houston Fire Station No. 25 on Scott Street in the Third Ward was burglarized and ransacked sometime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The thieves also broke into the firefighters' personal vehicles, detectives said.
When firefighters returned around 9 p.m. Tuesday, they noticed a busted window and broken glass.
Detectives said iPads, iPods and a cellphone were taken.
"It's a shock, a big shock. You're like, 'No way,'" firefighter Paul Williams said. "All the guys were like, 'Yeah, my stuff got stolen.' You just can't believe it, can't believe it at all."
The firefighters said they have been hit up to six times. A couple of years ago, someone stole an ambulance.
"Once they get in one door, they have access to the whole station," Williams said.
The firefighters said when they respond to an emergency, the front garage doors are left open.
"On fire calls, we're going to get in and take off. We're not going to worry about taking the time to shut the doors," Williams said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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