A 2-alarm fire tore through a warehouse at UniClean America on Antoine Drive in northwest Houston late Friday night, triggering a hazmat response and damaging several neighboring businesses.
The Northwest Fire Department responded around 8 p.m. to the 12100 block of Antoine, arriving to find the warehouse fully involved. UniClean America is a cleaning supply company, and the presence of chemicals on site added complexity to the firefighting effort.
Wind played a role in spreading the fire, and an estimated four to five businesses sustained at least smoke damage. No injuries were reported.
Multiple fire departments assisted at the scene. Crews ran a line to reach additional water sources as part of the firefighting effort.
With chemicals involved, hazmat crews responded to manage runoff from firefighting water and conduct air monitoring in the area. Booms were placed to help contain the runoff, and water testing showed a neutral pH level. Harris County Public Health was also called in to assist with runoff management.
Hazmat crews are still working to identify the specific products and chemicals that were stored at the facility.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire. At this time, nothing suggests the fire was arson-related, though the investigation remains ongoing.
