HOUSTON — New Year’s celebrations turned disastrous early Thursday morning when a fire broke out at an apartment complex in southwest Houston, leaving multiple families displaced on the first day of 2026.
Houston firefighters were called to the Bayou West Condominiums on Club Creek Drive shortly after midnight. Flames were visible upon arrival.
Witnesses reported seeing a firework land on a balcony moments before the blaze began. Fire officials said fireworks, particularly aerial rockets, are the main focus of the investigation.
Low water pressure initially hindered efforts to fight the fire from above, forcing crews to rely on hand lines from the ground. Once pressure was restored, the fire had already spread to the roof, prompting commanders to call in additional units. Between 40 and 60 firefighters worked for hours to bring the blaze under control.
Deputy Chief Bryan Sky-Eagle of the Houston Fire Department said crews found multiple boxes of fireworks at the scene and believe rockets from the celebrations likely struck the balcony and roof where the fire was most intense.
Officials estimate that 16 to 20 condo units were damaged. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents, and no serious injuries have been reported.
