Fire-Damaged Home in Katy’s West Memorial Removed After Harris County Precinct 4 Responds to Resident Complaints
For over a year, residents in the West Memorial neighborhood of unincorporated Katy lived next to a haunting reminder of disaster: a charred, abandoned home that loomed over the block with a collapsed roofline and growing piles of debris. The structure had burned in early 2024, yet nothing changed—until now.
This month, that property at 403 Pickford Drive was finally cleared thanks to a coordinated cleanup between Harris County Precinct 4 and Harris County Public Health (HCPH). The effort is part of the Harris County Neighborhood Nuisance Program, which targets dangerous and neglected sites in unincorporated areas before they can further jeopardize public health and safety.
“Commissioner Lesley Briones and Harris County Public Health took action after hearing from residents about the dangers posed by this burned and abandoned structure,” said Brittany Little, Assistant Press Secretary for Precinct 4. “When the community raises concerns, we listen, and we respond. This property posed a clear threat to public health and safety.”
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The home first drew attention on January 29, 2024, when Harris County ESD 48 was dispatched to a fire at the address just before 8:00 a.m. Investigators later confirmed that a malfunctioning heating pad had ignited a mattress, sparking flames that broke through the roof. Though firefighters controlled the blaze within 30 minutes, the damage rendered the house unlivable. From that day forward, it sat vacant—its charred shell becoming a source of unease and an open invitation for pests, dumping, and illegal activity.
Precinct 4's latest abatement action follows mounting concerns from neighbors and reflects the County’s broader commitment to housing safety, neighborhood revitalization, and equitable enforcement in unincorporated areas. Through the Neighborhood Nuisance Program, HCPH’s Environmental Public Health Division investigates complaints of unsafe or unsanitary conditions—from abandoned buildings to unsecured pools and illegal encampments.
If a reported property meets the county's public nuisance criteria, officials give the owner 30 days to fix the issue. If ignored, the County can take civil or criminal action, with assistance from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. In this case, after the deadline passed with no remediation, the County stepped in to remove the home.
Flames shoot through the roof of a home on Pickford Drive as Harris County ESD 48 firefighters “This cleanup directly advances public health and safety by removing a fire hazard and potential site for illegal dumping, criminal activity, or areas that attract pests,” said Little. “Our goal is to remove a source of stress for neighbors, eliminate fire risk, discourage illegal activity, and send a message that their community matters.”
Since 2024, Precinct 4 has investigated 64 nuisance properties, and boasts a 79% voluntary compliance rate—meaning most owners take action before enforcement is required. For the most severe or unaddressed cases like this one in West Memorial, the County relies on federal grants to fund cleanups and demolition work. These resources have become a vital tool for restoring safety in communities that fall outside city service boundaries.
To keep the program sustainable, Precinct 4 depends heavily on resident engagement. Homeowners, renters, and HOAs are encouraged to report nuisance conditions directly to HCPH via the Harris County 311 system or by calling 832-927-4444. When filing, it's helpful to specify how the site violates nuisance categories such as unsafe structures, high weeds, debris, or disease-carrying environments. If a property falls outside unincorporated Harris County, officials advise contacting local city authorities instead.
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The removal of the burned structure at 403 Pickford Drive was more than a demolition—it was a message to the community. For months, the site had represented neglect and risk. Now, with the hazard eliminated, residents have one less source of stress and one more reason to feel heard. Precinct 4 officials say this kind of response shows that when neighbors speak up, meaningful action follows.
“Every voice matters. One call can lead to real change,” Little said. “This cleanup happened because people spoke up. Precinct 4 is here for you, and we’re ready to take action, one property and one neighborhood at a time.”
The effort dovetails with Commissioner Briones’ broader revitalization plans for Katy and nearby areas, including:
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All in 4 Katy East, a resident-driven strategy to guide investment and placemaking through trails, parks, art, and signage;
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Call 4 Projects, which has already funneled $6.6 million into eight Katy-area infrastructure projects;
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And the Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 program, which added over 22.6 miles of safe walkways in the area.
Heavy machinery tears into the remains of 403 Pickford Drive in Katy’s West Memorial neighborhood Together, these efforts represent a shift toward long-term livability—and assurance that even small voices in unincorporated communities will be heard.
For more updates on neighborhood cleanups, safety initiatives, and Precinct 4 services in the Katy area, follow My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
