EmergencyNet News Instant Update
09/14/96 - 03:09CDT
First PersonReport; Fire at the Houston Astrodome
At this time (03:09CDT), The Houston Fire Department is on the scene of a reported fire at The Houston Astrodome. At
approx, 02:35 hours or close to that time, firefighters responded to the Astrodome and found smoke comming from the
South Entrance. Firefighters first on the scene have setup up a command post located in the South parking lot and are
fighting the fire at this time. There are very heavy smoke conditions, andthe firefighters are using fans setup inside to try to
remove smoke. Smoke is solid from the roof level down, halfway to the lower half of the building line.
The well-known dome is a very large building, used for football games and other large public events. It covers a very large
area and when filled with smoke, removal could be a major problem. Additionally, the building is a closed structure which
makes venilation difficult.
The fire inside has been knocked down, and now firefighters are hampered by heavy smoke conditions at this time. On the
initial dispatch the fire department dispatched a heavy box assignment and called some additional units.
Smoke is banking down inside the domed stadium to the floor levels, and fire fighters are trying to find a way to remove the
smoke from the dome. Some smoke and water damage is expected and it is uncertain if the building will be immediately
inhabitable.
Report Courtesy of Mark Widerstrom, Houston, TX