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Glen E. Ellman FWFD
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Glen E Ellman
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Glen E. Ellman FWFD
By the time the last hose was rolled and the embers cooled, the six-alarm fire that ripped through The Cooper apartments in Fort Worth had already made its mark as one of the largest in city history. More than 800 residents were displaced. Hundreds of homes were gone. But what happened after the fire is what folks in Fort Worth will remember.
The morning after the blaze, Fort Worth firefighters returned — not in turnout gear to battle flames, but in gloves and sweat-soaked uniforms, walking through the charred skeletons of buildings to recover what they could for residents who couldn’t return home. Wedding rings, baby shoes, heirloom jewelry, prescription medication. “They gave us detailed lists and maps of where the items might be,” The Fort Worth Fire Department posted on Facebook. “We just wanted to get in, get it, and get out — then move on to the next one.”
Wagon after wagon emerged from the smoke-stained wreckage, filled with what little was salvageable. “Some of these folks have been waiting a week just to hold onto something familiar,” the post continued. “We weren’t going to let them wait any longer.”
As temperatures climbed, so did the number of neighbors asking how they could help. The fire may have consumed the apartments on West Rosedale, but it ignited something else in Fort Worth — solidarity.
In the days following the fire, a coalition of community leaders, businesses, and barbecue joints sprang into action. Panther City BBQ, alongside Ben E. Keith Foods, The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Barbecue Co., announced a benefit plate sale scheduled for Sunday, July 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Worth Women's Club located at 1316 Pennsylvania Ave. For $20, patrons will receive two smoked chicken quarters with Mexican rice, pinto beans, and bottled water— comfort food served with a side of compassion. Every dollar will go to fire victims through the United Way of Tarrant County.
Where to Donate Money
Cooper Fire Relief Fund
Organized by Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck, Near Southside Inc., and United Way of Tarrant County.
Donations accepted through July 9. Funds will be distributed directly to verified residents on July 16 as gift cards.
Donate: bit.ly/CooperReliefFund
Service Donation Portal
Local businesses can pledge meals, housing, furniture, memberships, and other services.
Submit offers: bit.ly/CooperServicesDonation
Red Cross North Texas
Operating at One Safe Place (1100 Hemphill St) offering emergency shelter, essentials, pet reunification, and volunteer support.
Temporary Housing and City Services
The City of Fort Worth, local apartment providers, and the Park & Recreation Department are assisting with temporary housing.
Trinity Metro is providing access to cooling stations during extreme heat.
Important Dates
July 6 – BBQ Plate Fundraiser (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
July 9 – Final day to donate to the Cooper Fire Relief Fund
July 16 – Gift card distribution for verified residents at United Way (201 N. Rupert St, Suite 107)
Contact and Support
Need help or want to volunteer?
Email: [email protected]
Businesses wishing to contribute services:
Submit through the service portal at bit.ly/CooperServicesDonation
