HOUSTON – Griff’s Irish Pub in Montrose appears to be a “total loss” after a fire damaged the building Friday, officials with the Houston Fire Department said.
Crews arrived at the business located at 3416 Roseland around 3:53 a.m. and found heavy fire coming from the building.
Officials said no firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.
According to an HFD district chief, firefighters were pulled from the establishment because of the “overwhelming conditions” and high temperatures while trying to put the blaze out.
Arson investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire.
“It is really crazy. it’s a shock,” Sara Carr said, adding that she was just at the bar a few weeks ago. “I was actually just driving home and saw the firetrucks and gasped and said, ‘Oh no not Griff’s.’ It’s been such a huge part of the neighborhood.
“You go inside and you just know that the people that work there love sports and it’s kind of like Cheers,” another customer said. “You go in there and there’s regulars. I’m sure they will be real heartbroken to find out about this.”
Griff’s Irish Pub has been in Montrose since 1965. The bar is known for being a Houston staple. The owners told KPRC 2 reporter Brittany Jeffers they plan to rebuild the establishment.
@HoustonFire is currently on scene at 3416 Roseland performing extinguishment efforts after receiving reports of building on fire. No FF or civilian injuries have been reported. Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. @FireChiefofHFD
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) January 13, 2023