A civilian sleeping in an RV was rescued Sunday, July 26, after a neighboring mobile home fire in the Homestead Oaks neighborhood spread intense radiant heat that ignited the vehicle.

Klein Fire Department crews arrived at 3:52 p.m. to find heavy fire already burning through the mobile home's attic, with black smoke visible from a distance, according to the department's incident report. Engine 31 and Engine 38 launched an immediate attack while command officers assessed conditions that were deteriorating fast.

The situation escalated quickly. As the blaze overwhelmed the structure, crews shifted from an offensive interior attack to a defensive strategy, deploying to multiple sides of the home.

Then came the secondary rescue.

Engine 38 firefighters discovered that the fire's heat had ignited a neighboring RV where a civilian was asleep. They pulled the person to safety. The department has not released the individual's name or condition.

During a primary search of the mobile home, Engine 37 firefighters forcing entry through a door heard what sounded like crying. They found and rescued the family's cat trapped inside.

Two firefighters were evaluated on scene by EMS and released: one for heat exhaustion, the other for debris-related eye irritation.

Obstacles on the ground

Crews faced three challenges that complicated the response, according to Klein Fire's incident report: no water source in the immediate area, which forced water shuttle operations; difficulty accessing the property due to accumulated items; and narrow streets that made positioning apparatus difficult.

Nine Klein Fire units responded, including engines, trucks, and tenders. Champions Emergency Services District, Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare, and the Harris County Sheriff's Office provided mutual aid, according to a Klein Fire Department Facebook post. Chief C. Benavides and Chief S. Kramer of Klein Fire documented the scene.

Investigation ongoing

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office responded to investigate the cause of the fire. No determination has been announced.

Residents with information about the fire can contact the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office.