A Fort Worth family lost its home and a vehicle in a Friday night fire that family members believe fireworks tossed near their garage sparked.
The Fort Worth Fire Department responded to the scene on Ellis Road, near East Loop 820, shortly after 9 p.m. Fire officials said the cause remains under investigation.
The homeowners said neighborhood surveillance footage appears to show a firework detonating near their property, followed by a group of people running from the area.
Homeowner Dwight Thomas Jr. said seeing the surveillance footage was crushing.
“To see that it wasn’t an electrical fire, it was some kids walking down the street throwing a firecracker in our garage,” Thomas said, according to Fox 4 KDFW. “My wife’s car blows up and catches on fire, and it just erupts … my heart just dropped.”
The family’s 23-year-old son first noticed the smell of smoke and alerted the rest of the household. Everyone escaped the house, though Thomas sustained minor burns.
“I just thank God, I was glad we were safe,” homeowner Felicia Thomas said, according to Fox 4. “With all the flames and the smoke, we could have been dead, the house could have blown up. I know we have a gas home. With all the fire that I saw, I was just like, ‘oh my God, how did this happen?’”
The family is staying with friends and relatives while insurance adjusters evaluate the damage. Family members said they hope authorities hold those responsible accountable.
If investigators officially identify fireworks as the cause, the incident would mark the second Fort Worth home severely damaged by suspected fireworks in one week.
Provided by Dallas Express
