HOUSTON (FOX 26) -
Slightly less than forty elderly residents were enjoying a Christmas party on Thursday afternoon at an assisted living facility when they realized their lives could be in danger.
Fire broke out just around noon Thursday at the Houston Housing Authority's Lyerly Elderly Apartments in north Houston.
Firefighters rescued seven people using old-fashioned hard work.
197 residents found themselves without a place to live for at least 3 hours as the first three floors of the structure were evacuated while fourth and fifth floor residents were told to shelter in place. Many of the elderly residents and one worker were left angry by the person they all point the finger at, someone they say caused the fire after smoking in his apartment unit.
Investigators have not confirmed how the fire started, but they say it was contained to two units, one of which they say was likely where the fire started.
More than 100 firefighters and units arrived to the fire that took minutes to completely contain.
The overwhelming concern was smoke inhalation which landed one of the elderly people in the hospital.
Fire officials say the American Red Cross was expected to help the two residents who were left without apartments.
Some family members arrived to take their loved ones home while other residents eventually returned to their units hoping this is the biggest excitement they will see for a while.
