Two dead after Tyler house fire near downtown

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed that two people died in a house fire on Phillips Street Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, officials say one person killed was an individual who was initially unaccounted for. Firefighters confirmed a man and woman died in the fire and the man’s body has been sent for an autopsy. Tyler Fire was called at 3:37 a.m., and officials were able to get the fire under control within 45 minutes of the initial call. It was said by authorities that there was a delay in containing the fire due to the house’s multiple shingle roof and tin roof on top of that. The house, a short distance south of downtown, had been converted into apartments. Both victims lived in the same unit.

Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Lee said one tenant got out of the building and began attempting to break open a window to retrieve his dog. The tenant was taken to the hospital and later released. The dog is safe and being held by animal control, according to officials. Tyler fire and police are investigating the fire together as a joint task. The Red Cross also assisted tenants who were displaced by the fire, and they will provide food, clothing, and shelter if necessary.