Photo Courtesy of Georgette Whatley
FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE: Firefighters contained the fire to 5 units, additional alarms needed due to size of fire and weather conditions
Lake Conroe and Montgomery Firefighters were first dispatched around 5pm yesterday afternoon to a condominium fire on April Point South in the April Sound subdivision on Lake Conroe. The first 911 callers reported smoke coming from the roof of several units in a building housing 24 condominiums. Lake Conroe Firefighters arrived within minutes and quickly began signaling for extra alarms to bring in more crews, due both to the number of units involved and the heat and humidity. The fire eventually reached 4 alarms before it was declared under control that evening, bringing in crews from numerous other Montgomery County departments.
The fire was contained to units 29 to 34, but several other condominium units suffered smoke damage. Seven residents were left homeless by the fire, but are now staying with friends or relatives. Units 29-40 have no power at this time and are not occupiable. Units 41 through 52 were not damaged, have full power, and are occupiable at this time. Management is working to restore power to the other units as soon as practical, but the most severely damaged units will likely have to be completely rebuilt.
There were no major injuries reported, but fire crews had to be frequently rotated to avoid subjecting firefighters to heat exhaustion and the risk of heat stroke. MCHD EMS responded and monitored the health of firefighters, while the Needham Fire Department sent a specialized rehab unit to provide water and food for the fire crews working the scene. MCSO assisted April Sound Security personne in securing the scene and additional security fencing is being installed to safeguard the property and the public, as parts of the building are unsafe to enter.
Montgomery County Deputy Fire Marshals responded at the time of the fire and conducted a preliminary investigation Saturday night. Investigators will be returning to the scene in the days and weeks to come to investigate and determine the cause of the fire. At this time the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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Above photo, courtesy of the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office
Photos below, courtesy of Linda Robinson
