On Tuesday, June 13, 2006, the Houston Fire Department was dispatched a building fire at the Winfield II Condominiums, 10110 Forum West at 4:15 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire coming from the second floor of a three-story building and made a fast attack.. During the incident, firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building due to possible collapse. No victims were found.

The four-alarm fire caused an estimated $5.5 million in estimated structural damages. The City of Houston Dangerous Buildings Division was contacted to demolish the remaining unstable structure. One firefighter was transported to the hospital and several citizens where treated on the scene.

HFD Arson investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental due to carelessly discarded smoking material.

HFD reminds citizens that cigarettes can smolder for hours and have caused many major fires, including an three-alarm apartment fire at 10440 South Dr. in Southwest Houston on Sunday, April 16, 2006.

To help prevent such a tragedy, the NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

• Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays, checking them frequently.
• Cigarettes can smolder in the trash, so completely douse them with water before discarding them.
• After a party, always check on, between and under upholstery and cushions inside trashcans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.

Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children. When smokers visit your home, ask them to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.