Fat T’s stands now just a charred shell of a building. The interior was completely gutted according to Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright. He stated that the fire was very quick and created the classic “backdraft” scenario, which was when a Brownwood Police Officer arrived on scene and saw flames bursting out the front doors of the building.
The fire started about 1:30 a.m. Firefighters worked to put out the blaze; however it was too late to save the building.
Fire Marshal Buddy Preston was on scene investigating Friday mid-morning.
“There was nothing suspicious in any form or fashion. A police officer was driving down the street when he smelled smoke and turned around to try to locate the fire,” explained Preston. “When he turned around, there was a big blow and the front doors were blown open, leaving a scorch mark and debris 93 feet from the doorway, where the flames had blown out.”
Preston stated it was either a smoke explosion or a backdraft, but that he is leaning toward a backdraft and is working to see where the fire was able to suck the air in to cause the dramatic burst of flames out the front of the structure. He stated that it was very fortunate that no one was in the building at the time of the fire and even more fortunate that no one had tried to open the doors to make entry.
Although the cause was not yet determined, Preston stated there was no evidence of foul play or explosion. He stated he was looking at an area above the bar as a possible origin of the fire.
The owner of the building, Raul Martinez stated to friends on scene, “We have had better days but we have also had worse days.” He stated he would have to check to see if he had insurance on the building. He does not run the bar but leases the building to the bar’s operators.
The building, according to Preston is a total loss and will have to be torn down due to the extent of the damage.
Pictured above are Preston and other firemen investigating from above on BFD’s ladder truck. Below are more photos of the scene of the fire.
Preston investigates from above using the ladder truck.
The charred interior of the buildilng, view of the bar area.
