One person died in a Matagorda house fire that firefighters from several departments battled for about four hours Thursday, Feb. 20.
The Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department, Wadsworth Volunteer Fire Department, and Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the house fire at the corner of Fisher and Mulberry at about 7:48 a.m. Feb. 20.
The Matagorda Volunteer Fire Chief requested additional help from Palacios Volunteer Fire Department, Midfield Volunteer Fire Department, and Van Vleck Volunteer Fire Department.
The Sheriff’s Office requested the Bay City Fire Marshal Dan Shook to assist with the fire investigation, who requested assistance from the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office because of the fatality.
A neighbor who was leaving for work identified smoke coming from the residence.
He was concerned that the homeowner was still inside the home.
Attempts by the fire department to rescue the homeowner were unsuccessful.
The fire department battled the blaze for about four hours before bringing it under control, but remained on the scene to extinguish additional hot spots another two hours.
There were no other injuries during the incident.
The home was a total loss, with a property loss valued at about $165,000.
The State Fire Marshal arrived at about 2:30 p.m. and worked with Shook to investigate the cause.
The investigation is continuing as a cause has not yet been determined.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Bay City Fire Marshal at 979-318-7130.
