Residents Rescued from Houston High-Rise Fire

HOUSTON --

Firefighters rescued senior citizens from a four-alarm fire Monday morning at the southwest Houston high-rise building where they lived.

The blaze broke out at a Houston Housing Authority residential facility for senior citizens in the 7200 block of Bellerive Drive near the Southwest Freeway shortly before 10 a.m.

Flames shot out of a sixth-story window of the eight-floor building.

Officials said 12 people were rescued on ladder trucks. The development has 210 units for seniors on fixed incomes.

"We're going from floor to floor. We've got a list from the management of the occupancy level. And for those who need special assistance, we're working the hallways to get those people that do have mobility out of the building and to safety," assistant executive chief Rick Flanagan said.

Many of the residents said they went outside with only the clothes on their backs. Some were clad in pajamas and were not wearing shoes.

The residents were placed on METRO buses for shelter.

There have been reports of injuries, with three people taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. Most of the injuries were from smoke inhalation.

The fire was extinguished by 11 a.m.

"(Firefighters) have been through all eight floors and did not find anyone," said Terrence Fontaine of the mayor's office.

"We're making plans on accommodating them this evening and for the near future in accommodations that we own -- other apartments that we own. Or we'll make arrangements in other units," said Steve Mikelman with the Houston Housing Authority. "I imagine most of the units are filled with single individuals. Most are ambulatory. Some are in wheelchairs. This (facility) is for people who can care for themselves."

Bellerive Drive was closed to traffic to make room for fire equipment.

Officials said people should contact the Houston Housing Authority at 713-260-0500 if they are searching for information on any residents.