GRAPEVINE -- Fire gutted a century-old home early Friday, but the family got out safely by fleeing from the second floor, fire officials said.
According to area historians, the two-story house in the 500 block of Wildwood Lane was once the home of Zeb Jenkins, a well-known merchant and pioneer."It's very sad to have lost one of our historic homes," said Sallie Andrews of the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau.Fire Marshal Randie Frisinger said the cause is under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious.Deputy Fire Chief Mark Ashmead said firefighters responded about 4 a.m. to find the residence "fully involved."Frisinger said the husband came down a column from the second story and put up a ladder to help his wife and two dogs escape.Due to the aggressiveness of the fire, firefighters had to mount "a defensive attack -- fight it from the outside," Ashmead said."There was too much fire," he said.Approximately 10 fire units and 40 firefighters battled the blaze. The house and its contents were a total loss, fire officials said.According to the Tarrant County Historic Resources Survey done by the Historic Preservation Council for Tarrant County, the house was in its infancy on "one large farm" that was "notable for the farmhouse, a handsome bungalow with a full porch along the front and one side.""Zebulon Jenkins, a local businessman and grocer, acquired the land in 1883 from his father-in-law, W.E. Dorris," according to records. " The house was built in 1907 for Jenkins and his wife, Florence ... who lived there until their deaths."Marty Sabota,817-431-2231Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
