MARLIN, Texas — A fire in Downtown Marlin consumed a flower shop and property owned by a nearby hospital at around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2.
The Marlin Fire Department arrived on the scene within four minutes to find smoke pouring from the building. Unfortunately, this is an all too familiar feeling for the people of Marlin.
"It's another piece of history gone within 18 months," Marlin Chamber of Commerce Secretary Tracy Dimerson said.
Dimerson grew up in Marlin, never knowing parts of her childhood would be up in flames.
"I used to run around in that store as a kid," said Dimerson.
This is the fourth fire in Downtown Marlin since 2022. Not only did Marlin lose another building, but Dimerson lost 20 boxes of toy donations that were stored in the Petal Patch flower shop.
"That's 20 boxes of toys we didn't have, now we don't have it again," Dimerson said.
The Toys for Kids Association in Marlin helped serve over 300 families last year during the holidays with donations. Now they are in need after the massive fire.
"A lot of kids may not have a toy this season because of a fire," Dimerson said.
The fire was so large, the Marlin Fire Department called for all departments in Falls County to help. 50 firefighters worked the scene.
Bellmead crews also brought a tower ladder to help. This is the second time they have responded to a commercial fire in the area.
People say the fires are because of how old the buildings are.
Marlin Fire Chief Justin Parker says older buildings fall under older codes. Many have been constructed without fire stops.
"Older buildings weren't necessarily constructed to withstand what we call fuel packs," Parker said. "When a fire occurs with our modern appliance, our modern interior furnishings, they spread quickly and get out of hand."
The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office. Thankfully, no one was injured.
One thing is for certain, the entire community is banding together with strength.
"Marlin is resilient," Dimerson said. "We're going to rebuild from all of this. A loss always has something at the end of it. We're going to still be Marlin tomorrow and next week and five years down the road."
Parker also expressed extreme gratitude for everyone who came out to help.
"This was the first below 30 degrees," Parker added. "We actually already had a little bit of ice forming on the sidewalks and roofs and buildings. Folks willing to do that, that was great. On top of the agencies that have responded all over this county, it made a huge operational impact. Everyone played a crucial role in bringing this to a safe, effective resolution."
To find out how to donate, contact the Marlin Chamber of Commerce.
Parker also emphasized the importance of smoke alarms and being vigilant. He says fire safety should be all year long, not just in the month of October.
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