Early this morning, a house fire in southeast Fort Worth left one person dead and sent multiple others, including two firefighters, to area hospitals, city officials said. Crews arrived to heavy flames and carried out search and rescue efforts inside the single-story home. The blaze erupted in the 3500 block of Avenue J in the city's Poly neighborhood around 2:45 a.m.
According to CBS News Texas, Fort Worth Fire Department crews were dispatched at about 2:45 a.m. and reported heavy fire coming from the front of the home when they arrived. The outlet reported that at least three people were injured in the blaze, including members of the fire department.
As reported by NBC 5 Dallas‑Fort Worth, firefighters located a woman in the back of the house who was transported to a hospital in critical condition, and a man found in the front of the home was pronounced dead at the scene. Two firefighters were taken to a hospital as a precaution, and their injuries are not believed to be serious, according to the station. Officials have not released the names of the victims.
Hoarder Conditions Hampered Rescue
Fort Worth Fire Department public information officer Craig Trojacek described the residence as a "hoarder home," saying clutter and blocked doorways made it difficult for crews to move inside. Trojacek told NBC 5 Dallas‑Fort Worth that the rescues were "very taxing on the body, especially in this heat."
Investigations And Records
The Fort Worth Fire Department's Investigations section, known as the Arson/Bomb Squad, investigates all fires within city limits and generates a report for every incident, according to the City of Fort Worth. Copies of fire reports can be requested through the city's public information portal or by contacting the department's investigations office at 715 Texas Street. The Fire Department's investigations page includes contact details and request instructions.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and officials say they will release more information as it becomes available. CBS News Texas characterized the incident as a developing story. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Fort Worth Fire or police.
