HOUSTON, TX – Three Houston firefighters suffered severe burns while responding to an early morning fire at a small apartment complex on Germany Street. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:28 a.m., left the firefighters trapped behind a heavy door, prompting a mayday call.
“I’m here this morning to thank our firefighters, the leadership, and the rank and file” on behalf of huge donors”, Mayor Whitmire said during a press conference. “Once again, we witness our first responders, our Houston firefighters, coming to the rescue of residents of a small apartment project. Using their training and their motivation and their commitment to placing their lives on the line. For Houstonians. Doing that this morning, three of them suffered injuries, severe burns.”
Houston Fire Chief Munoz provided further details, explaining that the firefighters were performing a primary search when the door blocked their exit. “They were blocked inside an apartment project with a heavy door blocking their exit. They issued a mayday, which means we have firefighters’ lives being risked,” Munoz said. He emphasized the pivotal role of a firefighter who recently returned through the rehire program: “This individual had been with us for three weeks now, and he was able to rip the door out. At that point, we were able to extract those firefighters.”
The injured firefighters, identified as Captain Escamilla, Darren Jones, and Jonathan Guzman, sustained second- and third-degree burns, primarily to their hands, legs, and necks. “Their equipment melted, their air packs melted on their backs, their helmets were melted. They were very close to losing their lives,” Whitmire noted. “But, for the quick response and training of other firefighters, the gentleman that has just returned to the department most likely saved the lives of three brave firefighters.”
Munoz praised Memorial Hermann’s care, stating, “Upon talking to them, it’s obvious that Memorial Hermann has done a great job of making sure they’re comfortable during this time of recovery.”
No residents were injured in the fire, which damaged two apartment units. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. “Our focus and mission now is to support the families, take care of our brothers, and ensure that we get them back on the line healthy,” added a department representative.
