Glen E. Ellman
On Monday afternoon, Fort Worth faced one of the most challenging fires in its recent history. Around 1:30 p.m., the Fort Worth Fire Department responded to The Cooper apartment complex on West Rosedale Street in the Near Southside, where a blaze quickly escalated from a three-alarm to a historic six-alarm fire. What followed was nearly nine hours of relentless firefighting, involving almost 170 firefighters and 64 pieces of equipment battling the flames in a desperate effort to contain the disaster.
The scale of the fire was staggering. Two buildings connected by a breezeway were engulfed, with portions of the roof and multiple floors collapsing on top of each other. “When you’ve got a fire that’s buried under those sorts of things, you’ve really got to get back in there with your hands and pull that stuff back to put it out,” Craig Trojacek, public information officer for the Fort Worth Fire Department, told CBS News.
One resident was rescued and hospitalized in stable condition, while six others — including both civilians and firefighters — were treated for heat exhaustion on site. By Tuesday, crews remained on scene monitoring for flare-ups as structural engineers assessed the safety of the buildings. The second building, though less damaged, contains some units and a parking garage, where residents are permitted brief access to retrieve essentials like medication and vehicles. However, the most heavily damaged structure remains off-limits pending a full safety evaluation expected later this week.
The human toll is heartbreaking: 834 residents are now displaced, forced from their homes with uncertainty hanging over whether their apartments can ever be reclaimed. Damage is extensive, including fire, smoke, and water damage, though officials have yet to provide a full inventory of affected units. Investigators have found no signs of criminal activity, leaving the cause of the fire undetermined.
In the face of this tragedy, the Fort Worth community has stepped up with remarkable generosity. United Way of Tarrant County, Near Southside Inc., and District 9 Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck have joined forces to launch The Cooper Relief Fund. The fund accepts monetary donations through July 9, with 100 percent of contributions going directly to fire victims. To donate, visit https://bit.ly/CooperReliefFund.
Beyond financial aid, the local business community is mobilizing to support displaced residents with services and special offers—free meals, housing, storage, and other essentials. Businesses can share offers or donate services at https://bit.ly/CooperServicesDonation.
One standout local effort is WineHaus, located at 1628 Park Place Avenue. From June 26 to July 8, WineHaus is donating 10 percent of their daily sales to The Cooper Relief Fund. Their weekday and weekend hours make it easy for supporters to grab a bottle while giving back to the community. They’ve also publicly honored the Fort Worth Fire Department for their heroic work.
Looking ahead, the community can save the date for Sunday, July 6, when Panther City BBQ and Fort Worth Barbecue Company will host a plate sale fundraiser for fire-impacted residents. Details will be announced soon, but organizers are calling on neighbors to “step up and help our Southside neighbors.”
Meanwhile, the Red Cross is coordinating the distribution of essential supplies to those displaced. The best way to help remains a monetary donation to the relief fund, which ensures equitable distribution to all affected families.
This fire has scorched the Near Southside community’s heart, but it has also revealed its soul. From firefighters risking everything in hazardous conditions to neighbors and businesses rallying to rebuild hope, Fort Worth’s resilience burns bright.
Relief Fund & Support Information
Donate Money: https://bit.ly/CooperReliefFund (accepted through July 9)
Donate Services or Special Offers: https://bit.ly/CooperServicesDonation
WineHaus (1628 Park Place Ave.): Tues–Thurs 3:30–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 3:30–11 p.m. (10% sales donated through July 8)
Upcoming Plate Sale Fundraiser: Sunday, July 6 — hosted by Panther City BBQ & Fort Worth Barbecue Co.
