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April 17, 2025
Tragic house fire claims life of Pipe Creek man
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
A structure fire on Tuesday claimed the life of a Pipe Creek man. The fire, on Green Valley Drive, in Pipe Creek, was called in at about 2 p.m., April 15, Bandera County Fire Marshal Jason Rutherford said.
When firefighters became aware someone was inside the home, Rutherford said they were able to locate and carry the 79-year-old man out of the bedroom, where he was trapped, but they were unable to resuscitate him.
“It appears smoke inhalation may have been the cause of death,” Rutherford said.
Airlife was called, but cancelled. Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Mike Towers pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. The man’s wife was at work at the time of the fire, which may have been caused by something left on the stove, Rutherford said, adding the Red Cross is providing assistance.
Responding volunteer fire departments were Pipe Creek, Castle Lake and Bandera.
When firefighters became aware someone was inside the home, Rutherford said they were able to locate and carry the 79-year-old man out of the bedroom, where he was trapped, but they were unable to resuscitate him.
“It appears smoke inhalation may have been the cause of death,” Rutherford said.
Airlife was called, but cancelled. Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Mike Towers pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. The man’s wife was at work at the time of the fire, which may have been caused by something left on the stove, Rutherford said, adding the Red Cross is providing assistance.
Responding volunteer fire departments were Pipe Creek, Castle Lake and Bandera.