A fire broke out at Garza’s Reception Hall in South Houston Wednesday afternoon, prompting a response from both South Houston Volunteer Fire Department and Houston firefighters. As of late Wednesday, crews were working to contain the blaze using defensive tactics, focusing on preventing the fire from spreading from the exterior of the building.
Fire Response and Containment
The fire was reported just after lunchtime at the venue located on Oregon Street near Galveston Street. Houston firefighters were requested to provide mutual aid to the South Houston Volunteer Fire Department around 1:40 p.m. By approximately 2:29 p.m., the operation shifted to a defensive strategy.
According to the Houston Fire Department, mutual aid is a long-standing practice within the fire service. HFD acknowledged the challenges inherent in responding to incidents in unfamiliar areas, noting the need to adapt to different infrastructure and local conditions.
Defensive Tactics Explained
Shifting to a defensive operation means firefighters are prioritizing containing the fire from the outside, rather than entering the structure. This approach is often employed when the building’s structural integrity is compromised or when interior access poses unacceptable risks to firefighters.
The Houston Police Department confirmed that everyone inside the venue was accounted for, and no injuries have been reported at this time.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains fluid, and the full extent of the damage is currently unknown. Firefighters may continue working to extinguish the blaze and prevent further spread throughout the day. A thorough investigation could be launched to determine the cause of the fire once it is safe to enter the building. It is possible that the construction underway at the time of the fire will be a focus of that investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Houston firefighters respond to the scene?
Houston firefighters were requested as mutual aid around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
What is meant by a “defensive operation”?
A defensive operation means crews are working to contain the fire from the outside of the building, rather than entering it.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries have been reported, according to the Houston Police Department.
As the investigation unfolds, what role do you think community support will play in the recovery of businesses impacted by this fire?
