A structure fire on County Road 4804 in Kempner city limits led to the death of a 71-year-old female and the complete loss of a home on Tuesday afternoon.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is handling the investigation into the cause of the fire.
Kempner Volunteer Fire Department Chief Alan Mainville said the windy conditions Tuesday afternoon played a role in the blaze.
“We had what we called a wind-driven fire,” Mainville said. “It was coming from the charlie [back] side of the building and going through the alpha [front of the structure], so that didn’t help things.”
KVFD Deputy Chief Justin Martin said Kempner volunteers arrived on the scene around 3:35 p.m. after receiving the report of a structure fire at 778 County Road 4804.
Other agencies that assisted on the scene included the Lampasas Fire Department, Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department, Copperas Cove Fire Department, Lampasas County Sheriff’s Office and Hamilton EMS.
Firefighters battled the flames for hours due to the strong winds that whipped through the area. Sheriff David Parker said it wasn’t until about 6:30 p.m. that firefighters were able to enter the structure to recover the deceased 71-year-old.
Martin said first responders remained on the scene until all hotspots were cleared around 9:30 p.m. Lampasas County Precinct 1 crews assisted in the cleanup of the debris left from the destruction of the one-story home.
A news release from the city of Kempner offered condolences to the family involved.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected in this tragic loss,” city officials said. “We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to those involved.”
