Just after 11:00 a.m. today, the crew of Ladder 34 had just finished conducting a station tour at Station 34 in Woodforest when they heard nearby fire alarms sounding. The crew began investigating and quickly discovered smoke coming from a second-floor apartment at 900 New Day Avenue. Led by Captain Odom, the crew immediately notified dispatch, and a full emergency response was dispatched, bringing firefighters from all four Montgomery County ESD 3 fire stations. Recognizing the urgency, Captain Odom and his crew made entry into the building with a hose line. Upon locating the apartment, they encountered heavy smoke conditions, with smoke banked down to the floor. Fortunately, the apartment’s fire sprinkler system had activated and was holding the fire in check. Ladder 34’s crew quickly extinguished the fire.
Engine 31’s crew subsequently entered the apartment and located the resident’s dog, safely removing it from the building. Additional arriving crews assisted with evacuating residents and checking for any fire extension. The resident of the apartment was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of possible smoke inhalation. Thankfully, there were no other reported injuries. This incident is an excellent example of why fire codes and fire protection requirements matter. Montgomery County ESD 3 has invested in fire prevention and life safety through the creation of our Life Safety Division, which works to help ensure buildings in our community have the required fire and life safety protections. Because this building was equipped with a properly functioning fire sprinkler system, and thanks to the quick actions of Ladder 34’s crew, the fire was contained and extinguished before it could spread further. Without these protections in place, the outcome could have been significantly different.
Fire sprinklers save property, protect lives, and give firefighters a critical advantage when seconds matter
