GALVESTON, Texas — One person died and three others were injured in a Galveston house fire early Thursday morning, the medical examiner’s office said.
The fire was reported around 1 a.m. at a home near Avenue H at 39th Street.
Firefighters found three people trying to escape the flames through a window and used a ladder to get in and pull them out. A fourth person, Renita Hawthorne, 55, was found unconscious. All four people were taken to the trauma center at UTMB Health John Sealy Hospital where Hawthorne died, according to the City of Galveston. We don't know the conditions of the other three.
Two firefighters had minor injuries and were taken to UTMB. One was treated and released, the other was held for observation.
Galveston fire investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. The fire is being investigated as an arson and homicide, the city said.
Neighbors said Hawthorne lived in the home with her children.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call detectives at 409-765-3779. Anonymous tips can also be reported to Galveston Crime Stoppers at 409-763-8477, or on their website.