HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 21, 2009
HFD to Canvass Neighborhoods of Recent Fatal Fires
WHAT: Houston Firefighters will canvass the neighborhoods of two recent fatal fires.
WHEN/WHERE: Today, April 21, 2009
10:30 a.m. at 2400 block of Noble, Key Map 494A
2 p.m. at the 12200 block of Omandy, Key Map 570M
DETAILS: The Houston Fire Department responded to a grocery store with a residence attached on fire in the 2400 block of Noble about 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 19. Firefighters were able to rescue three citizens from the structure and transport them to area hospitals. Unfortunately, a 60-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries and passed away at the hospital.
On Monday afternoon, HFD responded to a townhome on fire in the 12200 block of Ormandy. Firefighters found one civilian who did not survey inside the townhome.
Causes of both fires are currently under investigation.
In an effort to help prevent tragic fires, members from the Houston Fire Department will canvass the complex of this fire with safety literature and batteries for smoke detectors.
“Working smoke detectors provide an early warning and critical extra seconds to
escape,” said Captain Homero Ponce-Lopez, HFD Public Affairs. “This is particularly important for those most at risk of dying in a home fire, such as children and seniors.”
Non-working smoke detectors rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of nonworking smoke detectors is worn or missing batteries.
Citizens who cannot afford or otherwise install a working smoke alarm in their
homes (renters - landlords should install a smoke alarm) may visit their local
Houston Fire Station for a smoke alarm, call the HFD Public Affairs Office at 713-495-7900.
