Firefighters Canvass Apartment Complex, Today
May 6, 2008
WHAT: The Houston Fire Department will talk with citizens and distribute safety information during a canvassing effort in a southwest Houston apartment complex that suffered from a major fire on Friday, May 2, 2008.
WHEN: Today, May 6, 2008, starting at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Coral Gable Apartments, 10522 Beechnut (Key Map 529Q)
DETAILS: In an effort to encourage fire safety, members of the Houston Fire Department will be distributing safety information and talking with residents the apartment complex which suffered from a 2- alarm fire on May 2.
HFD was dispatched to an apartment fire at the Coral Gables Apartments, just after 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008. When they arrived, they found heavy fire and smoke coming from a 2-story apartment building. More than 90 HFD personnel responded to the 2-alarm fire that was taped out within about an hour. The apartment building was demolished due to unsafe conditions as a result of the fire damage.
HFD Arson investigators have determined that a child set the fire. The child has been referred to the HFD Juvenile FireStopper's Program.
The FireStopper's Program provides the proper education and any other needed intervention for each child that has played with or has set fires to stop the firesetting before it leads to further injury, death, homeless families or problems with the law. Firestoppers tries to turn the event of firesetting into a positive opportunity for education and assistance. Participation in FireStoppers does not create a criminal record on the child.
Concerned parents, teachers, members of social services and the Houston Fire Department all refer youths to try to cease their firesetting behavior. This free program is for children 2 to 17 years of age.
Parents concerned that they may be judged as poor parents or seen as over-reacting, do not need to worry because the purpose of the program is to provide education for the child and family's safety.
Call (713)495-7927 or email elizabeth.ferrer@cityofhouston.net for more information or to refer a child.
