Two firefighters in Houston sustained injuries on Saturday morning while responding to a two-alarm fire at Christ Church located on Fuqua Street near Freehill Street. The Houston Fire Department (HFD) dispatched crews to the scene following a service call at approximately 7 a.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke billowing from the church building. The situation prompted the fire to be escalated to a two-alarm level, necessitating additional resources and personnel to combat the blaze.
HFD reported that two firefighters were injured during the operation. One firefighter sustained a broken ankle, and the other suffered a fractured femur. Both injured firefighters received medical attention and have since been released from the hospital.
No other injuries were documented, and no individuals were present inside the church premises when the fire broke out. Authorities confirmed that the building was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
The firefighters worked efficiently to control and extinguish the fire, preventing further damage to the surrounding area. The church sustained significant damage from the fire, with visible smoke and fire damage impacting the structure.
The Houston Fire Department has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Investigators will examine the scene and gather evidence to understand how the fire originated and spread throughout the church building.
The community around Fuqua Street has expressed concern over the fire, given the historic significance of the church in the area. Christ Church has served as a central institution for local residents, providing various community services and a place of worship.
The church’s leadership has yet to make a public statement regarding the incident. Plans for potential restoration or rebuilding efforts will likely depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and subsequent safety assessments.
The Houston Fire Department has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and has urged the local community to remain vigilant. The department continues to stress the importance of having functional smoke alarms and emergency evacuation plans in place in both residential and commercial properties.
