Firefighters battle blaze

Firefighters battle a blaze the engulfed the home of Port Lavaca Mayor Jack Whitlow Thursday evening.

One life has been claimed by a deadly fire on Port Lavaca’s Main Street, which began at a property owned by the city’s mayor.

The fire, which started at approximately  5:40 p.m. at  the 123 E. Main Street residence of Port Lavaca Mayor Jack Whitlow, was responded to initially by the Port Lavaca Fire Department and Port Lavaca Police Department, before later being joined by Point Comfort Volunteer Fire Department, Seadrift Fire Department, and Calhoun County EMS alongside the Formosa Plastics ladder truck.

One fatality has been confirmed. Although the identity of the person has not been released, it is believed to be a male that was staying at the residence. In addition, at least one dog was injured by the flames. The mayor was not home when the fire started.

The fire was contained by 10:00 p.m. to the building of its origin. Adjacent buildings had smoke and water damage.  

The origin of the fire is unknown.  An investigation will be conducted by the state fire marshal who is expected to arrive on scene at approximately 12:30 a.m.

This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.