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Houston church damaged, firefighters injured during two-alarm fire
As two Houston firefighters recover from their on-duty injuries, members of a southeast Houston church are keeping their hopes high after a damaging early-morning fire. FOX 26's Angie Rodriguez spoke to locals and officials at the scene.
HOUSTON - Two firefighters were injured while battling a fire at a church in southeast Houston early Saturday morning.
Houston: Fire at Christ Church Apostolic
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Fire at Houston's Christ Church Apostolic | Full press conference
Authorities are investigating an early morning fire that led to two firefighters being injured in southeast Houston. Houston Deputy Fire Chief Douglas Harrison provided information that morning at the scene.
What we know:
Houston firefighters responded to Christ Church Apostolic on Fuqua Street around 6:45 a.m.
The fire escalated to a two-alarm fire. Heavy smoke was coming from the building, and crews started a defensive maneuver to put out the fire.
Officials say the building was locked at the time and no one was in the building.
The fire has since been put out, and crews were said to be checking the building for any hot spots.
According to HFD Deputy Chief Douglas Harrison, a water hose came loose while crews were establishing a water source. The hose struck one firefighter in the ankle, and another on the upper leg.
Both were taken to a hospital, but they have since been released and are heading home.
As for the building itself, Dept. Chief Harrison says it may be a "total loss" due to the damages. It's believed the church was undergoing construction at the time.
‘We are a community’
What they're saying:
Currently, Christ Church Apostolic is looking for a place to hold their Sunday service.
"No matter what has happened today, he’s gonna see us through," said church member Mary Davis. "I ask that you stand with us, that you pray with us, that we unite. No matter the cause of this fire, we are a community."
Pastor John McDaniel spoke with FOX 26 off camera, and said they've received several offers for a space to hold their worship.
"I’m a little shaken, but God’s given me a lot of hope and peace and I appreciate that because, as you can see, this was a horrible incident. Please pray for our pastor’s family," David said.
"Our hearts are hurting, but they're full of hope because God will not leave us, has not left us, has not failed us and I look forward to what he has for us as a city. We’re gonna have a revival in the name of Jesus."
What we don't know:
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Due to the building being a church, arson investigators have been called to the scene.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Houston Fire Department, Pastor John McDaniel, and member Mary Davis.