A house warming party
From the AP:
What was meant to be a “welcome home” fire at a couple’s house in East Texas — burned down the place.
Smith County assistant fire marshal Marilynn Wilson says the 3,000 square foot home in Arp was destroyed.
Authorities believe the new owners were on their way home from selling their former house in San Antonio.
Wilson says the couple had given a neighbor permission to build a fire in the fireplace, for their return.
Wilson says the neighbor on Monday apparently shut the doors to the burning fireplace — and left.
Investigators believe hot air was forced out through the vents and apparently blew embers onto the carpet.
A final determination on the cause of the blaze is pending.
Wilson says the couple’s three dogs died in the fire. A vehicle was destroyed.
Arp is a town of about 1,000, located 100 miles southeast of Dallas.
