City and fire officials said they haven’t been able to sign a consent-to-search form that would allow investigators into the home and find out what caused the fire.
GALVESTON, Texas — Two people injured after a fire broke out at a historic Galveston mansion over the weekend remain in the hospital, according to city and fire officials.
The fire broke out Saturday 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 when 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. As of Tuesday, both victims remain in the Blocker Burn Unit at UTMB.
City and fire officials said they haven’t been able to sign a consent-to-search form that would allow investigators into the home and find out what caused the fire.
“It’s absolutely devastating for EastEnders, for Galveston Island itself,” said Carla Peoples, the society columnist for the Galveston Daily News. “This home, you know, George Ball this was his home. And, that is obviously what Ball High School was named after and what a philanthropist he was.”
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 fire.
The Ball Mansion was previously destroyed by fire in 1967 and rebuilt the following year.
The City, preservation groups and property owners are expected to discuss the possibility of restoring the homes.