Demolition has begun on the Norman Apartments - site of a spectacular fire from a single lightning strike last summer. Located on the corner of Stanford and West Alabama, the apartments were a very eclectic remodel of an old four-plex, featuring hemispherical "bubble" windows in projections cantilevered out from the original building face.

At the peak of the fire more than 30 units were required to battle it. Efforts were hampered by low water pressure and a lack of nearby fire hydrants. HFD had to string hoses for two and more blocks to supplement the hydrant located adjacent to the apartments.

Fortunately, neither HSPVA nor the Foundation School for Young Children was in session when the fire broke out. It is hard to image what chaos there would have been had HFD been forced to negotiate through the school's rush hour traffic!

This incident illustrates the ongoing need to keep up with growth in FMC and to continue to keep City officials apprised of conditions "on the ground".