VIDEO: A mansion in River Oaks is likely a total loss after a fire ripped through it late Thursday night. Multiple fire crews were called to the home on Meadow Lake Lane at Suffolk Drive. When crews arrived, they found heavy flames and smoke pouring from the second story of the contemporary home.
Firefighters say the house's design may have made it difficult to contain.
"That's a big challenge. It's a modern design, large rooms, a lot of void spaces, the truss construction up in the roof. The truss construction can lead to a collapse when it gets attacked by fire," explained HFD Chief Blake White. After about 20 minutes, firefighters started running out of oxygen and had to get out.
One of the firefighters ran out of air while inside. He called for help and was found near the front door.
He was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
The home is owned by Judge R.K. Sandill. He and his wife escaped safely.