HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Flames and thick black smoke poured from an abandoned apartment complex in Spring Branch on Tuesday evening, marking yet another fire at a property neighbors and city leaders say has been a safety hazard for years.
Firefighters responded to the vacant Park on Westview Apartments near Gessner around 5:20 pm. The sprawling, fenced-off complex has sat empty for years, becoming a magnet for trespassers, squatters, and frequent fires.
“It hasn’t been taken care of, and they let people squat in there,” neighbor Pat Sims said. “It is what it is.”
HFD crews attacked the blaze from above, relying on nearby hydrants since the property no longer has water service.
District Chief Robert Branch said firefighters have grown used to responding there.
“This is probably the fifth working fire I’ve made,” Branch told ABC13. “We’ve gotten so good at making a fire here that we know what hydrants we can utilize. It’s almost to the point the guys do it without being told.”
The complex’s broken windows, open units, and overgrown vegetation have long frustrated nearby residents, who say it attracts crime and endangers the community.
“The city should have torn this place down a long time ago,” Kareem Al-Sabur said as he walked by. “It’s an eyesore. A lot of bad things go on here. Honestly, it’s kind of a blessing that it’s happening like this.”
ABC13 previously reported in May on the same unsafe conditions and complaints. But even amid Tuesday’s fire, there was progress. The area’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ 17, has finalized its nearly $19 million purchase of the property.
The plan calls for using the land for flood mitigation and the construction of new police and fire stations.
“It’s good,” Sims added. “We need more fire stations and more police stations.”
Council Member Amy Peck, who represents the area, said the acquisition marks a major step toward improving safety for both the community and first responders.
“This abandoned complex has been a safety concern,” Peck said in a press release. “Individuals regularly started fires at this location, causing safety issues not only for the community but also for our first responders.”
Peck thanked city and TIRZ officials for pushing the deal across the finish line.
“I am extremely thankful for Mayor Whitmire for prioritizing this project for our community,” Peck said. “His involvement in this acquisition allowed it to come to fruition. Thank you also to the TIRZ 17 board for recognizing the importance of this project and making this purchase.”
According to Peck, demolition is expected within about six months. Until then, there will be an increase of police presence, she said, as firefighters say they’ll remain on alert for more incidents.
“That’s the biggest thing,” Branch said. “We just need to get this thing to the ground.”
No injuries were reported in Tuesday’s fire, and whoever started it was gone when firefighters arrived, HFD said.
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