Palestine Fire Probe Continues

PALESTINE (AP/Staff) – More details have emerged as officials continue to investigate a fire that left two people dead in a downtown Palestine building. Capt. Jeff Croft of the Palestine Fire Department tells the Tyler Morning Telegraph that a man and a woman died in the fire, reported early Saturday morning. He says another person was reportedly able to escape the blaze. The building was a total loss. A news release from Wendy Ellis, interim city manager, says crews encountered heavy fire conditions and heavy smoke throughout when they arrived on scene. The news release says that within minutes of firefighters’ arrival, the building began to collapse. The building housed a thrift store. Surrounding buildings received minimal damage