Houston Loses Ladder Truck During Warehouse Fire

Firefighters lost a ladder truck to the flames while battling a three-alarm warehouse fire in southwest Houston Friday morning.

Two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion requiring treatment at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Both were later released.

No other injuries were reported.

Responders dispatched to 3737 Hillcroft shortly before 11 a.m. found a beauty supply warehouse fully involved. During the fire the warehouse roof collapsed.

Initially declared a defensive two-alarm fire, the response was upgraded to three alarm within 30 minutes.

Because of the chemicals stored at the location, including alcohol, fire officials decided to let the product burn rather than risk a spill into the sewer system, local media report. HFD Ladder Truck 28 caught fire when chemical spread beneath it and ignited.

Extreme heat and a shortage of available water hindered firefighting efforts.