Last night on Fort Worth's southeast side turned deadly when a fast-moving fire tore through a one-story, wood-frame house in the 3800 block of Wilbarger Street, just west of Highway 287.
Fire crews were called out shortly after 8 p.m. and arrived to find flames pouring from the front of the home. Responders went inside, pulled a person from the structure, and tried to save them, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not yet released the person's identity.
There was no immediate word on what sparked the blaze, and investigators are still working to piece together how the fire started.
According to CBS News Texas, Fort Worth Fire Department crews encountered heavy fire conditions at the front of the house when they arrived. The outlet reports that arson investigators were called to the scene, a routine step after deadly fires, and that the cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.
How the investigation will proceed
The Tarrant County Fire Marshal's Office oversees the county arson task force and backs up local departments on origin-and-cause investigations in fatal or suspicious fires. The agency conducts detailed scene exams, collects physical evidence, and interviews witnesses, according to its public information. The Tarrant County Fire Marshal notes that investigators regularly work alongside city fire crews and, when needed, state or federal partners to determine whether a fire was accidental or the result of a crime.
What officials say and what's next
Fort Worth officials have not released further details about the victim, and the fire's cause remains under review as investigators continue to comb through the charred home for clues, the department told CBS News Texas. Neighbors and anyone who might have photos, video or other information from around the time of the fire should watch for official updates as the investigation moves forward.
Residents are encouraged to monitor statements from the Fort Worth Fire Department and Tarrant County investigators for confirmed details as they are released.
