Athens Review, Athens, Texas

January 28, 2010

Fire in Houston blamed on inflatable gorilla

Associated Press

HOUSTON — Fire department officials say an out-of-control inflatable gorilla is blamed for a rooftop blaze at a Houston shopping center.

No injuries were reported in the fire early Thursday. The remnants of the inflatable gorilla were seen at the site.

District Chief Fred Hooker says some type of a “blowup doll” was on the roof, the item deflated and landed on some lights, leading to the fire.

Fire authorities say two stores suffered minor water damage. Part of the rooftop also was seen to have suffered fire damage.