WFFD: Transients likely responsible for fire in vacant home

Transient people were likely responsible for a fire that severely damaged a two-story house near Wichita Falls High School Wednesday morning.

The Wichita Falls Fire Department got the alarm from 2132 Avenue H about 7:30 a.m., and firefighters found heavy smoke and flames emitting from the structure when they arrived. They called a second alarm to get more manpower.

The entire second story of the vacant house was blazing when they entered.

Assistant Fire Marshal Jody Ashlock said it took about 30 minutes to extinguish the flames.

The firefighters discovered the 2,500 square-foot house was filled with old furniture and trash. They found mattresses and sleeping bags upstairs where the fire started.

"It was evident from the items found on scene that the structure had been inhabited by vagrants," Ashlock said in a press release.

He said the fire caused $35,000 damage to the structure and $5,000 to the contents. No inuries were reported.