Two people suffered severe burns to their extremities and smoke inhalation.
GALVESTON, Texas — Firefighters in Galveston spent Saturday morning battling a two-home fire in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
The fire broke out just after 9 a.m. on 24th Street between Avenue M and Ursiline Street within the city’s Silk Stocking District — a nationally recognized historic area known for its well-preserved late 19th- and early 20th-century homes.
Among the homes damaged was the Frank C. Ball Mansion, a historic home built in 1895 and named after one of Galveston’s most prominent businessmen. Two people were trapped on the second floor as the fire broke out.
According to Galveston Fire Chief Mike Varela, firefighters rescued the two people from a rear balcony using ladders. Both suffered severe burns to their extremities and smoke inhalation.
They were transported to the Level 1 Trauma Center at UTMB Health’s John Sealy Hospital. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
The house next door was also damaged as the fire quickly spread. The two people in that house got out safely after they were alerted of the fire by contractors in the area.
Residents and a dog in the house on the other side of the Ball Mansion were also able to evacuate safely.
Chief Valera said there were no other injuries.
All available Galveston Fire Department resources were dispatched to the scene. Santa Fe Fire and Rescue assisted with trucks and a rehab unit, while La Marque Fire Department sent a unit to cover other potential calls in the city during the emergency.
By 11:30 a.m., firefighters were nearing full containment of the blaze.
Neighbors have since come together to help secure the damaged homes, boarding them up and beginning clean-up efforts. Many expressed their gratitude for the swift response from the fire crews.
The Ball Mansion was previously destroyed by fire in 1967 and rebuilt the following year.