At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 18, New Caney and Porter Fire Departments were dispatched to a commercial structure fire at I-59 and Community Drive in New Caney, Texas. Due to the number of 9-1-1 calls and the commercial nature of the fire, an additional alarm was pulled before units arrived.
The first firefighters reported heavy fire on the first and second floors of a nearly completed, three-story hotel.
Once a water supply was established, firefighters entered the structure and began a fast attack to attempt to quickly bring the fire under control. It soon became apparent due to the size of the fire, limited manpower and the continuing issues with the water supply, that it was too dangerous to keep firefighters inside the structure. Command changed tactics, declared a defensive fire and pulled all personnel out of the structure.
Water supply issues began when the first fire crews could not establish a working water supply, hampering initial firefighting efforts. A hydrant had been installed at the hotel's location, but it was not operational. The sprinklers also didn't work.
A local water district representative responded, engaged the hydrant. However, it could not produce enough water to feed all the apparatus on scene.
Two more alarms were pulled increasing the number of tanker trucks responding to the fire scene. Water shuttles were setup to provide water to the four aerial units operating in strategic spots around the structure.
Approximately 20 tankers were called in from nearly all parts of Montgomery County. Several units from Harris County also responded to the fire.
Fire departments responding included units from Porter, New Caney, Needham, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Little York, Splendora, Spring, Houston, Crosby, Klein, Cy-Fair, Lake Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery and South Montgomery County.
The fire was declared under control at approximately 8:30 a.m.
The motel was nearly complete.
The fire is currently under investigation.
No injuries were reported.
