2025-02-25

#street/Tyler/S/100-block/111 #event/fire #event/death/suspicious

Human remains found weeks after fire in vacant Amarillo building

This story has been updated with additional information.

The Amarillo Fire Department on Tuesday confirmed human remains were discovered in a vacant structure and are now being investigated following a two-alarm fire that they extinguished Feb. 9 at 111 South Tyler.

On Wednesday afternoon, AFD said Fire Marshals have released the scene back to the property owners, but the investigation is ongoing.

AFD said the fire involved a vacant building previously deemed unsafe by the Amarillo Fire Marshal’s Office.

"Due to the hazardous condition of the structure and the risk of collapse, firefighters initiated defensive operations, fighting the fire from the exterior. A collapse did occur as crews arrived, and the structure was completely destroyed, leaving only debris piles at the site," AFD stated.

Investigators including the State Fire Marshal's Office work at the scene after remains were found Tuesday in the 110 block of South Tyler Street in Amarillo, the site of a two-alarm fire that destroyed a vacant warehouse Feb. 9.

More than two weeks later, on Tuesday, individuals collecting scrap metal found human remains among the debris.

AFD said the discovery was immediately reported. The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified and was en route Tuesday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the remains. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported at the time of the fire.

AFD noted the decision to conduct exterior-only operations ensured firefighter safety throughout the response.

Remains were found Tuesday in the 110 block of South Tyler Street in Amarillo, the site of a two-alarm fire that destroyed a vacant warehouse Feb. 9. No injuries were reported at the time of the fire.

The vacant warehouse, previously marked unsafe for occupancy, was completely destroyed in the Feb. 9 fire, and estimated property loss was $20,000.

Fire crews who responded around 3:42 a.m. to the large structure fire in the 100 block of South Tyler Street found the warehouse fully engulfed in flames. A total of 13 apparatus and 41 personnel were deployed to combat the blaze, and firefighters worked for several hours to bring it under control.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Amarillo Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from state officials. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The fire department reminds the public to avoid entering or approaching unsafe structures, as they pose significant risks of injury or collapse. If you suspect an abandoned building is being used improperly, please report it to local authorities.