A structure fire was reported in the 2000 block of Houston Place in Denton at 10:55 p.m. on December 18, 2024. The initial report indicated two victims were trapped inside the residence, with heavy flames visible from the front of the house upon arrival.
Fire crews from Denton, along with assistance from the Lake Cities Fire Department and Denton County Emergency Services District #1, quickly responded. A Second Alarm was called at 11:07 p.m. as search efforts intensified. The victims, an elderly male and female, were located and rescued from the scene and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian in critical condition.
Sadly, 103-year-old Dante Bassi succumbed to his injuries after a short time at the hospital. The second victim was flown from the hospital to the Parkland Burn Unit in Dallas in critical condition.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
