HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Fire Department (HFD) Honor Guard has shared new details on their Facebook page with the firefighting community about how three firefighters survived a life-threatening apartment fire on Jarmese Street. The early morning fire on January 7, 2025, left the crew of Ladder 46 severely burned and trapped behind a heavy door, prompting a mayday call.
According to Senior Captain Dale Jenkins, the firefighters’ survival hinged on their quick application of critical techniques to protect their air masks, preventing lethal exposure to super-heated gases. Two firefighters shielded their masks with their hands, while the third pressed his mask into a corner to avoid direct flame contact.
Jenkins noted that these actions, rooted in rigorous training, likely saved the firefighters’ lives during what he described as a “near-death experience.” While covering masks with hands is an older method, Jenkins emphasized that updated training now recommends using the crook of the arm to protect fingers from burns.
The intense fire caused significant damage to the firefighters’ protective bunker gear, further underscoring the severity of the situation. Jenkins commended the crew’s ability to stay focused and implement survival strategies under extreme pressure.
All three firefighters are expected to recover but face a long road of medical treatment and rehabilitation. The HFD Honor Guard’s detailed account has sparked renewed attention to firefighter training and preparation, with Jenkins urging the community to share these life-saving techniques widely.
“Be trained, be prepared, stay alive,” Jenkins wrote, emphasizing the importance of readiness in overcoming catastrophic events.
