Four Houston firefighters killed 5-31-13

Several articles have highlighted the tragic story of a devastating fire in Houston, Texas, which resulted in the deaths of four firefighters and left several others injured.

ABC News:

Four firefighters lost their lives and thirteen were hospitalized after battling a five-alarm fire that consumed a motel on one of Houston’s busiest expressways today. The blaze at the Southwest Inn in southeast Houston quickly escalated, with thick black smoke visible for miles. The building's roof collapsed, according to KTRK, as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames.

"We can confirm four fatalities," said Janice Evans, a spokesperson for the Houston Mayor’s Office. "Families are being notified, and this is a very sad day for the Houston Fire Department and the city."

Three firefighters died at the scene, while the fourth succumbed to injuries at the hospital. One of the fallen was a woman, making her the second female firefighter to die in the line of duty in Houston. At least six others were injured, with some in critical condition.

This incident marks the deadliest fire in the history of the Houston Fire Department. Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, expressed deep sorrow: "Houston firefighters mourn the loss of our three brothers and our sister. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten."

CNN News:

Four Houston firefighters died when a wall collapsed during a major fire on Friday, according to the mayor of the city. “Today is going to go down as the worst day in the history of the Houston Fire Department,” said Mayor Annise Parker.

Thirteen other firefighters were treated in local hospitals, with one in critical condition. Fire Captain Ruy Lozano stated that the five-alarm fire began at a restaurant adjacent to the Southwest Inn, near Interstate 69. Over 150 firefighters responded to the scene.

“We thought there were civilians inside,” said Garrison. “Unfortunately, the structure had more fire than we anticipated. The building collapsed, and our members who were trying to save lives were trapped.”

Fellow firefighters rushed to rescue their colleagues, and Garrison credited their bravery for preventing a higher death toll. “Dozens of acts of courage took place in those critical seconds,” he said.

The fallen firefighters include Matthew Renaud (35), Robert Bebee (41), Robert Garner (29), and Anne Sullivan (24), who had recently graduated from the Houston Fire Department Academy.

FOX News:

Four Houston firefighters died while responding to a massive five-alarm fire at a motel, according to a city official. Three died at the scene, and the fourth passed away at a hospital. Six others were injured, with one in critical condition.

Over 100 firefighters fought the blaze in extreme heat, which started at a restaurant and club located at the Southwest Inn on U.S. 59. Flames spread rapidly, and the roof remained ablaze for over an hour.

Jeff Caynon of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association said reports indicated firefighters were injured during a roof collapse. “The roof collapsed, and it could have been people inside or outside the structure,” he said.

Houston Fire Chief Terry Garrison explained that the four firefighters were searching for civilians they believed were still trapped. “They took the highest risk possible,” he said. “Those who were trying to save lives were lost.”

Thanks, Chris

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