HOUSTON — Dangerous heat caught up to firefighters Friday morning while battling a house fire on the west side of town, according to the Houston Fire Department.
The fire started just after 3:30 a.m. in the garage of a home near 13800 Barryknoll Lane.
Firefighters say they believe the fire began in the garage and quickly spread to the attic.
The family's twin 6-year-old boys heard the smoke detectors and were able to help the family of four, and their pet turtles, escape safely.
Fire crews say the heat was so much, even at night, that they had to stop and drink bottles of water.
"We give them a break," the district fire chief said. "There were some crews that went through four bottles, so yes, it's pretty hot."
While there's some damage in the home, the district fire chief says the house can be salvaged despite firefighters being slowed down by the heat.
The homeowner says she's grateful firefighters came as quickly as they did to save some of their belongings and pets.
Investigators are now working to determine what caused the fire.