Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

A second building under construction catches fire as HFD attempts to extinguish fire at the corner of Marconi St. and Dallas Ave. on March 25, 2014, in Houston, Tx.

Photo By Randy McCoy

A Houston Firefighter aids in the rescue of a construction worker from a five-alarm blaze in the 2400 block of West Dallas near Montrose Tuesday, March 25, 2014. Witness Randy McCoy said the worker had to jump down one story and wait on a ledge for the ladder to reach him. McCoy said that the worker appeared to be uninjured. (Randy McCoy/ Special to the Chronicle)

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Firefighters prepares so use additional water hoses to contain a five-alarm fire at a construction site at the corner of Marconi St. and Dallas Ave. on March 25, 2014, in Houston, Tx.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Houston Fire Department attempts to extinguish a five-alarm fire at a construction site at the corner of Marconi St. and Dallas Ave. on March 25, 2014, in Houston, Tx.

Photo By Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

Houston Fire Department battles an apartment fire that was under construction at the corner of Marconi St. and Dallas Ave. on March 25, 2014, in Houston, Tx.

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2-alarm fire burns near downtown Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston firefighters called for five alarms on the fast-moving blaze that reduced a luxury apartment building under construction to rubble, and rescued one person from the scene.

The fire broke out around 12:30pm at the building on West Dallas at Marconi in the Montrose area. Huge portions of the unoccupied luxury apartment complex were completely engulfed in flames before collapsing, and thick black smoke filled the air. By 1:30pm, firefighters had called a fifth alarm on the blaze.

Houston Fire Department spokesperson Ruy Lozano says one construction worker was rescued from the third floor. The man was reportedly about to jump to safety, but a ladder truck reached him just in time. The man was not injured.

Lozano says all firefighters and construction workers have been accounted for. Juan and Raul Hernandez were among the construction workers who ran for their lives as the flames spread fast.

Raul recalled, "When everybody started screaming, I just climbed down the scaffold and walked away."

Eyewitness Larry Reader reported seeing a construction worker using a fire extinguisher trying to put out the flames at the beginning of the fire, and said that man then needed to be rescued from a balcony.

"It was frightening," Reader said. "In an hour and a half, it was unbelievable how fast it spread."

Political consultant Adam Harris was among those stuck in traffic. He shot video of the fire as the lone trapped worker was rescued.

"How amazing it is that nobody was hurt," Harris said. "Blows my mind. I actually talked to some of the workers and said, 'What happened?' And they said, 'We don't know. Everyone yelled fire, fire, fire and we got out.'"

Lozano adds that the fire started at one end of the construction site and quickly spread to the other side, with winds speeding the fast-moving flames along. The exact orgin location and cause haven't been determined yet.

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Massive fire reduces luxury apartment building to rubble in Montrose area

Courtesy KTRK News

HOUSTON (KTRK) --Houston firefighters called for five alarms on the fast-moving blaze that reduced a luxury apartment building under construction to rubble, and rescued one person from the scene.

The fire broke out around 12:30pm at the building on West Dallas at Marconi in the Montrose area. Huge portions of the unoccupied luxury apartment complex were completely engulfed in flames before collapsing, and thick black smoke filled the air. By 1:30pm, firefighters had called a fifth alarm on the blaze.

Houston Fire Department spokesperson Ruy Lozano says one construction worker was rescued from the third floor. The man was reportedly about to jump to safety, but a ladder truck reached him just in time. The man was not injured.

No other victims have been reported at this time. Lozano says all firefighters have been accounted for, but not all the construction workers have been yet. Authorities are working to account for those workers.

Eyewitness Larry Reader reported seeing a construction worker using a fire extinguisher trying to put out the flames at the beginning of the fire, and said that man then needed to be rescued from a balcony.

Lozano adds that the fire started at one end of the construction site and quickly spread to the other side, with winds speeding the fast-moving flames along. The exact orgin location and cause haven't been determined yet.

More than 80 units were dispatched to the scene with more than 200 personnel. This includes at least 14 ladder companies, 26 engine companies and five EMS transport units.

Firefighters sprayed nearby homes and buildings with water. The fire did not spread to any adjacent structures.

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Massive fire reduces Houston luxury apartment to rubble

The Selwyn Foundations new five storey apartment building currently under construction at Hillsboroughs Selwyn Heights Village is to be named the Reeves Apartments, in honour of the late Right Reverend and Honourable Sir Paul Reeves, Archbishop and Primate of New Zealand, 1980-1985, and Governor General of New Zealand, 1985-1990.

As Bishop of Auckland and Archbishop, Sir Paul was President of the Foundation when Selwyn made its first foray into independent living accommodation. During his tenure, Sir Paul officiated at a number of events marking the Foundations development of services.

Sir Paul belonged to the Puketapu hapu of the Te Atiawa of Taranaki and was the first person of Maori descent to be appointed Governor General. It is generally recognised that he touched hearts as few public figures have and was committed to shaping and improving life in New Zealand. He was not afraid to say what he believed and spoke on all subjects with knowledge and a cutting-edge.

"In naming our new apartments in honour of Sir Paul, we celebrate his memory, his association with The Selwyn Foundation and the respect in which he was held by so many New Zealanders," said Garry Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of The Selwyn Foundation.

Specifically designed to optimise the exceptional vistas of the surrounding landscape, the Reeves Apartments will occupy a central position in the Village and will complete the U-shaped complex of community facilities and apartments surrounding Selwyn Heights existing bowling green and Chapel. Showcasing the latest thinking in retirement living, this prestigious development will also offer an extensive array of new amenities, including swimming and spa pools, a gymnasium, restaurant, function area, retail outlets, and underground car parking.

With prices starting from $415,000, these 56 stylish one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will be available in November 2014 and will further expand the Villages appeal for retirees looking for quality and style in a premium environment.

Selwyn Heights Village is part of The Selwyn Foundation, an independent charitable trust with Christian values, providing independent retirement living, residential care and community services for older people. http://www.selwyncare.org.nz

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New apartments named in honor of Right Revd Sir Paul Reeves

New numbers from a research company are confirming what anyone can see in a drive around Charlotte: Apartment construction in the city is at an all-time high.

Some in the real estate community say Charlotte might be on the verge of an apartment market bubble. But apartment complex builders say strong job growth and a rising population will keep the market thriving.

A new report from research firm Real Data tracked activity in Charlottes multifamily market over the past six months and found 10,067 units under construction. Most of the new units are in uptown and in neighborhoods such as South End, SouthPark, NoDa and Elizabeth. An additional 11,003 units have been proposed.

The units under construction mark the most apartment-building Charlotte has ever seen, according to Charles Dalton, principal at Real Data. The previous high came during in 2000, he said, when just under 8,000 units were under construction.

The city over the past five years has averaged 4,479 units under construction, so the latest figures show the multifamily development market has yet to cool down, despite concerns in some quarters that it might be getting overbuilt. The Real Data report says that as the newest units hit the market in the next year, vacancy rates that currently sit at 6.2 percent will rise to as much as 8 percent.

Critics say developers who couldnt get money to build condos or single-family homes during the recession are bingeing on apartment construction since banks have been more likely to lend for multifamily projects.

I think were kind of overdosing on the apartments, said Wendy Field, who develops townhomes for sale. If you just drive around Charlotte you can tell. Theres just so many apartments. Its hard to think theres enough people to justify it all.

She believes Charlottes apartment market could see a downturn similar to the recent real estate bubble if rental rates dont keep performing well enough to keep banks and other creditors happy.

Apartment developers disagreed.

Spectrum Properties broke ground last week for The Mint, a new 177-unit luxury apartment complex across West Fourth Street from the new BB&T Ballpark.

Excerpt from:
Charlotte apartment construction surges to all-time high

Raleigh County man charged with burglary Raleigh County man charged with burglary BEAVER (WVVA) - A Raleigh County has been accused of burglarizing an elderly woman's home while she was out to get her mail. Ronnie Dale Keeney, 26, is charged with burglary in connection with the Feb.More >> BEAVER (WVVA) - A Raleigh County has been accused of burglarizing an elderly woman's home while she was out to get her mail. Ronnie Dale Keeney, 26, is charged with burglary in connection with the Feb.More >> Expect delays on Route 52 in Bluefield Thursday Expect delays on Route 52 in Bluefield Thursday BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - Motorists are advised to expect delays on Route 52 in Bluefield -- in the area of Cherry Street and Highland Avenue -- as crews work to remove trees. Bill Bihler with Alpine Tree ServicesMore >> BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - Motorists are advised to expect delays on Route 52 in Bluefield -- in the area of Cherry Street and Highland Avenue -- as crews work to remove trees. Bill Bihler with Alpine Tree ServicesMore >> Former nurse sentenced on drug charge Former nurse sentenced on drug charge BECKLEY (WVVA) - A former nurse in Raleigh County has been sentenced after taking oxycodone from her workplace, then selling it to an informant. Crystal Gail Graham, 38, was sentenced Wednesday to threeMore >> BECKLEY (WVVA) - A former nurse in Raleigh County has been sentenced after taking oxycodone from her workplace, then selling it to an informant. Crystal Gail Graham, 38, was sentenced Wednesday to threeMore >> Beaver woman sentenced for selling drugs Beaver woman sentenced for selling drugs BEAVER (NEWS RELEASE) - Leah Kirk, age 21, was sentenced today in Beckley, West Virginia, by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger to three years of probation and ordered to perform 100 hoursMore >> BEAVER (NEWS RELEASE) - Leah Kirk, age 21, was sentenced today in Beckley, West Virginia, by United States District Court Judge Irene C. 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Multiple crews were dispatched to Lorton Lick Road about a mile from Route 52. We have learned thatMore >> BLUEWELL (WVVA) - Authorities have released the names of the victims in Monday night's deadly accident in Mercer County. Sheriff Don Meadows tells WVVA News that 25-year-old Kevin E. Brooks of JenkinjonesMore >> Raleigh County Schools superintendent announces resignation Raleigh County Schools superintendent announces resignation BECKLEY (WVVA) - Raleigh County Schools Superintendent Jim Brown has announced his resignation, effective after the end of the school year. In a statement released Tuesday, Brown cited personal reasonsMore >> BECKLEY (WVVA) - Raleigh County Schools Superintendent Jim Brown has announced his resignation, effective after the end of the school year. In a statement released Tuesday, Brown cited personal reasonsMore >> Tazewell native allegedly crashes into church, stabs husband Tazewell native allegedly crashes into church, stabs husband CHURCH HILL, Tenn. (WVVA) - A Tazewell County native has been charged with attempted murder after a bizarre incident in which allegedly stabbed her husband -- who she believed was "worshipping" the BristolMore >> CHURCH HILL, Tenn. (WVVA) - A Tazewell County native has been charged with attempted murder after a bizarre incident in which she allegedly stabbed her husband -- who she believed was "worshipping" the BristolMore >>

RALEIGH COUNTY (WVVA) - A fire at a Raleigh County apartment building might be the work of an arsonist.

Firefighters were called to fight flames at the Coal River Road building around noon Thursday.

Crews were able to catch the fire in enough time to keep the structure standing.

No one lives in the apartments right now, the building has been under construction since last December.

Firefighters tell WVVA there are several clues pointing to arson, including the fact that there's no electrical service to the building.

The fire has been ruled suspicious and the investigation turned over to the state fire marshal's office.

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Crews fight fire at under-construction apartment building

The six-story, largely wood-frame Mission Bay apartment building that was under construction when it went up in flames wouldn't have been permitted in California just a few years ago.

Until 2008, buildings six stories or higher were required to have "noncombustible" exterior walls - typically, concrete and steel studs - from top to bottom.

But after a long battle in Sacramento, and with the blessing of then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Building Industry Association, the state's building codes were rewritten to bring them in line with international codes.

The move overturned codes adopted by Schwarzenegger's predecessor, former Gov. Gray Davis - and backed by labor, environmentalists and others - that imposed stringent regulations drafted by the National Fire Protection Association.

The 2008 change allowed the expanded use of wood-frame construction, making some projects cheaper to construct, according to San Francisco building officials.

The Fire Department is still trying to determine exactly how the block-long, $227 million complex at Fourth and China Basin streets went up in flames Tuesday, though welding work is suspected.

"The building was probably at its most vulnerable point in its lifetime, because the sprinklers had not been installed and the sheetrock was not in place," said chief building Inspector Patrick O'Riordan.

"We have to be thankful that nobody died in this event," O'Riordan said. "It had maximum fuel load, with all that wood in there."

Fire Marshal Michie Wong said the new codes have also done away with the requirement for fire-resistant safety walls in the hallways as long as the buildings have sprinklers.

They also allow for support beams that are lighter, cheaper and quicker to install - but enough of a potential hazard that, in the case of the Mission Bay property, the Fire Department ordered the posting of warning signs for their crews "because the floors and roofs tend to fail during a fire."

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Burned Mission Bay building was vulnerable under new codes

The New Brunswick Planning Board heard a proposal Tuesday night that could drastically change the character of Mine Street.

The Construction Management Associates, LLC. asked the board for permission to build a four-story apartment building on the uninhabited lot and house at 17 Mine St.

Thomas Kelso, who represented the company for the hearing, said the plan was consistent with the redevelopment of the College Avenue campus and was intended to provide housing for Rutgers and New Brunswick Theological Seminary students.

It provides much-needed safe, state-of-the-art housing, he said.

But many residents objected to the project, leading the board to delay their decision until their next meeting on April 8.

The building would include 57 apartments with 70 bedrooms intended to prevent large gatherings that could cause trouble for the neighborhood, said Stephen Schoch, architect for the project.

According to nj.com, the site would cost around $10 million.

The city approved the initial project in December, Kelso said.

The company requested variances that would allow them to build an underground parking garage with only 43 spaces, far less than the required 106 spaces, Schoch said.

They also asked to raise the height of the fence around a proposed electrical transformer to 6 feet to improve the view.

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Apartment building to replace abandoned lot

By TERRY COLLINS and SUDHIN THANAWALA, Associated Press

A fire burned in a building under construction in San Francisco's China Basin on March 12, 2014. (Courtesy KGO-TV)

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco fire investigators on Wednesday were looking into whether welding work was to blame for a massive blaze that barreled through an apartment building construction site, threatening nearby buildings, prompting evacuations and forcing officials to call in about half the city's on-duty firefighters to prevent its spread.

As fire crews doused hotspots in the charred remains of the block-long apartment complex, city officials said they narrowly avoided a catastrophe in an up-and-coming neighborhood near the San Francisco Giants ballpark.

"I think we're very lucky that the fire didn't jump anymore," Mayor Ed Lee said.

The exact cause of the fire -- one of the city's largest in recent years -- was under investigation. But fire officials were looking into preliminary reports that workers were doing torch work at the site shortly before the fire was reported around 5 p.m. Tuesday, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said.

The five-alarm fire created a plume of black smoke that was visible for miles and led to the evacuation of nearby buildings, as about 150 firefighters were called in to contain it. One of the walls of the burning building collapsed about an hour after the fire began.

"We were hoping that we could contain it as quickly as possible," said firefighter Stephen Maguire, whose crew was among the first to arrive at the scene.

Firefighters had to take a defensive stance because the building was leaning in some areas, he said.

The blaze cracked windows on an apartment building, Strata at Mission Bay, across the street and sent an ember onto the roof of a University of California, San Francisco building in the neighborhood. It also briefly spread to scaffolding at another building under construction, Maguire said.

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San Francisco fire: Welding called possible cause

San Francisco --

A fast-moving fire that consumed a large apartment building under construction in San Francisco's Mission Bay neighborhood burned into the night Tuesday, but firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby structures.

The five-alarm fire engulfed the building on Fourth Street near China Basin Street just before 5 p.m., sending black smoke thousands of feet into the sky. Scaffolding melted as chunks of the six-story, 80-foot-tall building fell away. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White called it the city's largest blaze in several years.

Fire officials said the structure was likely to collapse.

"The open construction of the building allowed for rapid fire spread," said fire Capt. Matthew McNaughton, adding that investigators have not determined what started the blaze.

Nearby buildings were evacuated as more than 150 firefighters battled the flames, using about 90 fire trucks and other apparatuses. The roof of UCSF's Mission Bay research building, a block away, briefly caught fire, but it was quickly put out, McNaughton said.

One firefighter suffered minor burns, he said, but there were no other injuries.

The smoke "was like a huge mushroom cloud. It was as high as a plane," said Gary "Slim" Forte, 38, who was among a large crowd of locals watching the fire. "It looked like somebody blew a nuclear weapon."

Several dozen residents were evacuated from the Strata apartment building across Fourth Street from the construction site, and about 25 were gathered late Tuesday at an American Red Cross evacuation center at Pier 54.

Firefighters still had not contained the blaze by 10:15 p.m. McNaughton said he expected crews to remain on scene until the morning. "We have a center core that looks like a volcano," he said.

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Huge San Francisco fire destroys six-story apartment ...