HOUSTON — Three people, including two firefighters, were injured as crews battled a massive fire at a flea market in north Houston Friday morning.
Investigators with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office are still working to determine what caused the fire at the Tia Pancha flea market on Airline Drive near West Road.
Both firefighters were treated at an area hospital and later released. One suffered heat exhaustion and the other had minor burns to his shoulders, according to Little York Fire Chief Sean Richardson.
A bystander also suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital, the chief said.
Views from Air 11 showed the length of the market torched as fire crews worked to contain the flames.
This happened in a storage building at the flea market. We are told several vendors were housed in the space which is now a complete loss.
Fire crews from several departments battled the blaze, including Houston, Aldine, and Little York. Hazmat crews were also called to the scene as a precaution since it was not clear what was being stored in the building.
The heat added to the challenge.
"It's already hot enough. But when you get us in temperatures above 90 degrees and a heat index of the high 90s, it definitely takes a toll on the bodies," Richardson told us.
Vendors said there have been problems at the flea market since Sunday when the power went out for a few hours.
Angela Medina said she lost about $35,000 in merchandise she just bought last week.
Mauricio Ramirez said he lost around $30,000 in toys, tennis shoes and other items.