Two Hospitalized After Fire Damages Historic Galveston Mansion

Two people are still in the hospital after a fire in Galveston's Silk Stocking District over the weekend destroyed a historic house and caused a lot of damage.

Saturday just after 9 a.m., the fire broke out on 24th Street between Avenue M and Ursuline Street. The George Ball House was one of the homes that was damaged. It was built in 1895 and is an important part of Galveston's building history. It was named for the famous businessman and philanthropist George Ball.

GFD Chief Mike Varela says that two people were stuck on the second floor when the fire started. Firefighters got them out by using ladders to get to a balcony in the back. Both of them got serious burns and smoke inhalation and were taken to the Blocker Burn Unit at UTMB Health's John Sealy Hospital, where they were still staying as of Tuesday.

The reason of the fire has not been found by the authorities. Before an official investigation can start, investigators still need to get permission to search the inside of the George Ball House.

The fire quickly spread to homes nearby. A house next door got a lot of damage, but the people who lived there got out safely after being told by builders working nearby. People and a dog from a house next door also got out of that house safely.

The Galveston Fire Department sent all of its available units to the scene, and Santa Fe Fire and Rescue and La Marque Fire Department also sent help. The fire was mostly under control by 11:30 a.m.

The George Ball House burned down in 1967 and was rebuilt the next year. Its most recent damage has caused city officials, preservationists, and property owners to talk about how to possibly fix it up.

Carla Peoples, who writes a society piece for the Galveston Daily News, said, "It's absolutely devastating." "This house is an important part of the history of the island."

There were no other injuries recorded. Restoration talks are likely to go on in the coming weeks.