MARLIN, Texas — In a small town of just over 5,000 people, homeowners in Marlin are more concerned than ever before. This comes after another fire broke out in the area on Friday, Nov. 3.
This fire started around 4:30 a.m. at the Western Motel off Ward St. The Marlin Fire Department found one apartment unit and one individual apartment unit heavily involved in a fire along with a medium-sized box truck and cars.
All residents evacuated prior to the department's arrival. Because of the volume of the fire, the Marlin Fire Department requested aid from other departments.
21 people were displaced from the building after it went up in flames. Adults, infants and pets were left on the street, waiting to be rehomed.
All residents are reported to be okay. The American Red Cross was on the scene to help rehome those who were displaced.
It all happened just a couple of blocks from a fire that occurred the day before on Thursday, Nov. 2 at a local flower shop.
Community members told 6 News this is now the fifth fire since 2022.
"Wish they would stop the damn whatever is going on," resident Ann Price said. "I don't think this is electrical. There's no way, not in the different places."
Price has lived in Marlin all her life and was the band director for 21 years. She is just one of the many residents who are concerned, wanting to know why the fires are happening.
"These fires are suspicious," Price said. "Some of them are, not all of them. It could be a firebug."
6 News asked the Marlin Fire Chief, Justin Parker, about the claim.
"Even though Marlin is a smaller city, it's not uncommon to have fires occur in succession," Parker said. "Even in multiple days or two to three fires in one day. Both fires are being thoroughly investigated, and if there's any connection we will be sure to inform the public. Fire investigations are very thorough, no stones will be left unturned."
The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating Nov. 2's fire. 6 News has put in an open records request.
Marlin firefighters are still investigating the cause of the Nov. 3 fire.
While people wait for the investigation to reveal what the causes of the fires could be, Marlin Mayor Susan Byrd says the department offers free resources if people are concerned.
One of those resources is a home safety survey where they identify potential fire hazards.
The Marlin Fire Department also works closely with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms in homes at no cost.
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