House Fire in the 5000 block of Northridge Dr, 77033

Firefighters arrived on the scene on August 20, 2019, at 07:00 a.m., with fire and heavy smoke coming from a 1-story home and made an offensive attack. 

"An offensive mode involves taking direct action to mitigate the problem. This means an aggressive interior attack will be used because initial crews believe there is a chance that occupants may be inside the structure and conditions may be such that they could still be alive. In addition, ensure that initial risk assessment has confirmed that the structure is not so involved that collapse is imminent, fire dynamics are understood, truss impingement times can be estimated with some accuracy, OSHA's two-in-two-out policy is adhered to and that sufficient resources are present to deal with both fire attack and rescue tactics.

More lives are saved by putting the fire out as swiftly as possible. And the rapid location, confinement, and extinguishment of the fire depend on proper hose selection and placement. Here are some other considerations for an offensive atttack. Coordinated and communicated ventilation. Company officers must direct the activities of the crew, not operate the nozzle. The second line stretched should be a back-up line of the same size or larger than the first line deployed. Fighting the fire from the unburned side is not always an option; select the option that allows for the largest amount of fire extinguishment. Never stretch a dry line into the fire compartment. If the next in the engine may not get on the scene before your water tank is empty, get your own water supply line when possible. Advise ability to obtain a water supply line with the initial size-up report. When possible, protect the main areas of egress, both for victims and firefighters. You should always check for hidden fires. A fire will burn on six sides, four walls, a ceiling, and a floor. Make sure fire is extinguished in all sides. Finally, always coordinate interior fire attacks with exterior operations." - Source https://www.firerescue1.com

The resident had safely made it outside the home and stated she saw smoke coming from a back bedroom.

HFD Arson investigators were requested to determine the cause and found that the fire appeared to have started in the outlet that an A/C was plugged into and caught a mattress on fire.

Crews remained on scene and conducted overhaul. The resident was transported to the hospital after the incident was controlled.

Firefighters from Stations 23, 21, 26, 35, 46, 55 and 24 responded to this incident.