Texas fire destroys 3 homes, damages 3 others

By Diana Washington Valdez
The El Paso Times

EL PASO, Texas — Fire marshals' investigators said a fire that was intentionally set Sunday destroyed three houses under construction in far east El Paso County.

Fire Lt. Mario Hernandez said the fire in the 12000 block of Hidden Grove caused more than $600,000 in damage.

A total of 14 fire units responded to the fire at 6:22 a.m. Sunday. The fire completely burned three houses under construction and two construction trailers. The fire also damaged three other houses.

No injuries were reported from the fire in the new Ventanas subdivision that is located south of Montana Avenue and east of Joe Battle Boulevard.

Hernandez said, "One occupied home on the block received fire damage from the fire's intense heat, and several neighboring homes were evacuated as a precaution.

"This brings the total number of fires in homes under construction in far east El Paso to five in the month of May."

Fire investigators said a white sedan with tinted windows was seen driving away from the area when the fire started.

Anyone with information about the fire or the vehicle should contact Crime Stoppers at 566-8477 or the Fire Marshal at 771-1090.

Hernandez said the cause of the fire and who may be responsible are being investigated.

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