Rowlett's anticipated Sapphire Bay development was the site of an intense blaze this weekend, as firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish a fire that consumed a vacant apartment building under construction. The fire, which started around 8:30 p.m. Friday continued to burn into Saturday, and by noon Sunday, officials declared it extinguished. More than 24 hours later, residents like Miena Joseph, who lives across the street from the development, left home due to heavy smoke and the threat of embers blowing their way, according to WFAA.
The building was a part of the $1 billion Sapphire Bay project, touted for its future mix of residential and commercial spaces. No residents were injured since the building was not yet occupied; however, the development was nearing the phase where certificates of occupancy were to be issued for future tenants. Rowlett Mayor Blake Margolis, in a statement shared with local news outlets, expressed his relief that no residents had to be evacuated but also his regret at seeing the development ablaze; crews from Garland, Mesquite, and other area departments assisted in the efforts, ensuring the fire didn't spread further, as per NBC DFW.
Determining the cause of the fire is now a pressing matter, with Rowlett's Fire Marshal Thomas Cooper and other city officials, including Sapphire Bay President Marc English, collaborating on the investigation. "The cause of the structural fire is unknown at this time," English wrote in a statement. With the ongoing investigation, the timeline for answers remains uncertain, and officials have not commented on the potential impact on the broader development plans, as per WFAA.
Throughout the ordeal, the community rallied to support the first responders, with Mayor Margolis highlighting the hard work and long hours put in by the fire crews and public works, acknowledging the provision of food and support for those at the scene. Rowlett Chief Neil Howard said that the fire likely started in the attic of the building, but a definitive cause will only be determined after the site is deemed safe to enter for investigation, per NBC DFW.
