A devastating house fire in Liberty has claimed the life of one individual, officials confirmed Sunday, June 8.
The blaze was first reported just after noon at a residence in the 700 block of Austin Street. When emergency crews arrived on the scene, the home was already fully engulfed in flames.
Liberty police officers were among the first to arrive and bravely evacuated several residents from the home, keeping them at a safe distance as firefighters worked to contain the inferno.
According to Liberty Fire Marshal Ashley Pate, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Pate is being assisted by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office as they work to determine the origin of the blaze.
Tragically, one person—believed to be a woman with medical issues—was unable to escape the fire and is presumed to be the victim.
“Her condition may have prevented her from getting out in time,” Pate said.
As of now, the body remains inside the structure but is expected to be removed later this afternoon.
“We will continue our investigation until we determine the point of origin and cause of the fire,” said Fire Marshal Pate.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
