HOUSTON — A five-alarm fire occurred at the Southwest Inn in southwest Houston on May 31, 2013, resulting in the deaths of four firefighters and marking the deadliest day in Houston Fire Department history. Robert Bebee, Matthew Renaud, Anne Sullivan, and Robert Garner were killed while battling the blaze.
During the fire, a portion of the structure collapsed while firefighters were inside. Thirteen other firefighters sustained injuries. Houston Fire Capt. Bill 'Iron Bill' Dowling suffered severe injuries at the scene and died in 2017.
Investigators concluded the fire likely began in the attic area hours before the first emergency call was received. Radio traffic became congested as teams attempted to coordinate the search for firefighters inside the burning building.
Capt. Dowling believed several people were still inside the Southwest Inn during the fire, which prompted a rescue effort.
In response to the incident, the Houston Fire Department implemented updates to strengthen communications and improve management of large incidents, including technology to help commanders track assignments in real time. A small memorial with red crosses bearing station numbers remains at the site of the Southwest Inn fire to honor the firefighters who died.