A predawn fire on 8th Avenue in south Fort Worth jolted residents awake yesterday, destroying five cars and damaging two neighboring homes, city officials said. The blaze sparked around 4 a.m., and while the property damage was heavy, no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross is helping seven people displaced by the fire, including six adults and a child.
According to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, firefighters arrived to find the house and three cars in the driveway already burning. Crews said the flames spread to a neighboring home as they worked to knock the fire down. Fire officials told the station the cause appears to be accidental.
Neighbors Displaced, Red Cross Steps In
While city crews secured the scene and checked nearby properties for damage, the American Red Cross moved quickly to provide immediate assistance to the affected residents. Investigators stayed on site into the morning, working to pinpoint the fire’s origin and confirm the exact cause.
Neighbors described a dramatic overnight response as engines and crews swarmed the block, but said they were grateful everyone made it out safely and that no injuries were reported.
Fort Worth Fire Department Safety Reminders
The Fort Worth Fire Department is using the incident as a reminder that every home should have working smoke detectors on every level of the house and inside bedrooms. The department advises residents to test alarms monthly, change the batteries once a year, and replace the entire unit every ten years.
For more on proper maintenance and the department’s smoke alarm installation program, visit the city’s website page: Fort Worth Fire Department Smoke Detectors. Residents with non-emergency questions can reach the Fort Worth Fire Department through the city's website.
If You Were Affected
Anyone who lost a vehicle or had property damaged is urged to document everything with photos and contact their insurance provider as soon as possible. For short-term needs, residents can seek help from local relief organizations such as the American Red Cross and tap city non-emergency resources for recovery assistance.
Officials are asking the public to stay clear of the area while investigators finish their work, and to call 911 immediately if any fire-related emergencies arise.
