Vacant Channelview hotel caught in major fire for the 7th time in the last year, according to HCFMO

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Officials said they were once again fighting a fire at a vacant hotel in the Channelview area on Thursday afternoon.

According to Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue, crews answered a mutual aid call at the former Fairfield Inn Hotel on I-10 near Sheldon Road and warned drivers to expect traffic delays.

Houston TranStar images showed smoke rising near the freeway.

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said it used thermal imaging to check for people inside the burning structure, as firefighters could not enter. They did not say whether they evacuated anyone or found anyone inside.

This was the seventh major fire that crews have responded to in the last year, according to the fire marshal’s office. They added that there have been several smaller fires as well.

According to HCFMO, the timelines of the last six major fires at the locations are as follows:

• March 29, 2025 – An electrical fire occurred while the hotel was still operating.

• April 22, 2025 – The hotel was vacant and boarded up; the cause of the fire was undetermined.

• May 10, 2025 – An intentional fire caused by someone using a torch-style lighter inside the structure.

• May 24, 2025 – The cause of the fire was undetermined.

• Nov. 23, 2025 – An intentional fire was sparked by a number of trash fires outside the structure.

• Nov. 24, 2025 – A fire from the previous day was rekindled.

ABC13 reported on the vacant hotel last year, when officials said they had been called to the hotel for several fires over two months.

RELATED: Large fire at vacant hotel near East Freeway in Channelview is 3rd one in last 2 months: Officials

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