By James Hartley, Abby Church
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
FORT WORTH, Texas — A Monday fire at a nearly 100-year-old grain silo described by Worth Heights residents as an “eyesore” is under investigation, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department.
Crews were called to the scene around 3:10 p.m. Monday to find the fire fueled by trash and waste inside, according to the fire department. The flames were quickly extinguished and the department said there were no injuries, but the cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Residents near the structure at 3700 Alice St. told the Star-Telegram in July that they didn’t know much about the structure, but do know they want it gone.
The structure, which dates back to 1924, has been shut down since the 1980s, according to residents. It is cracking and surrounded by trash. To one side, grass and weeds have been left to grow unmanaged and trees have grown so tall and thick they look like a small forest.
Besides the general look of the silos, neighbors say they bring trouble. People come to do drugs or drop off cars, and sometimes those experiencing homelessness camp there.
In 2016, the city’s building standards commission unanimously deemed the silos “substandard and hazardous.” One member of the commission was absent.
They’re also dangerous. In September 2016, a 17-year-old girl from Haltom City fell to her death after climbing up on top of the silos.
The fire department’s investigation will determine how the fire started, including whether it was arson.
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