Four Houston firefighters , total , died when a wall collapsed during a major blaze Friday at a hotel . NEW : Chief says 24-year - old firefighter who died was ` ` very passionate , very strong '' NEW : 5 of 6 injured firefighters are still in the hospital , fire department captain says . NEW : Houston firefighters are struggling to cope with the loss of their colleagues , he says . Texas : More firefighters have died in 2013 in Houston than in last 10 years combined .
NEW : Chief says 24-year - old firefighter who died was ` ` very passionate , very strong '' NEW : 5 of 6 injured firefighters are still in the hospital , fire department captain says . NEW : Houston firefighters are struggling to cope with the loss of their colleagues , he says . Texas : More firefighters have died in 2013 in Houston than in last 10 years combined .