The building is still unsafe, but residents say the bigger worry now is what—or who—might already be inside.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Nearly two weeks after a massive fire at The Cooper apartments in Fort Worth, displaced residents say they’re still waiting to return to their units to gather all of their belongings — and now fear looting amid little communication from property management.
The fire broke out on the afternoon of June 23, quickly escalating to a six-alarm blaze that stretched Fort Worth Fire Department resources to the limit. More than 170 firefighters and 64 pieces of equipment responded, battling flames that tore through the roof of the building. The blaze displaced more than 800 residents, leaving many with only the clothes they were wearing.
At least 25 units are a total loss, though hundreds more remain off-limits as structural damage is assessed.
“For those of us who still have units, they’re virtually full with all of our things,” said Lauren Price, who created a Facebook group for displaced residents like herself. “We have not been allowed to go into our units to get all of our belongings besides just a few essentials.”
Price added that construction crews or apartment personnel have also helped retrieve essential items.
On July 4, Fort Worth police were seen patrolling the charred complex as residents monitored the scene remotely, many of whom can still do so through still-active home security cameras.
Police confirmed that at least one resident had filed a theft report on July 2, claiming that her jewelry — including a 14-carat gold necklace, earrings, and a 10-carat gold college ring — had gone missing. The police report lists the suspect or suspects as unknown.
“Now, there are reports of our apartments being looted,” Price told WFAA from her parents’ home in Colorado. “They have these random people in there going through our stuff and taking pictures.”
Residents say they’ve watched adjusters and construction workers move door-to-door through the building, even as they remain locked out.
The Facebook group Price started has become a hub for displaced tenants to share updates, videos, and the limited information they say they’ve received from building owner Cushman & Wakefield.
Some residents are still waiting on security deposit refunds and reimbursements for July rent.
“They’ve basically done nothing but offer us cheaper rent at their other facilities,” Price said.
WFAA reached out to Cushman & Wakefield before the July 4 holiday and has not received a response regarding the above updates or when residents might regain full access to their belongings.
It’s a tough line to walk; the company can’t let residents into a dangerous building, but tenants say the lack of updates has left them leaning on each other.
“Our goal through this was to just support one another and share information,” Price said about the Facebook group.
In the meantime, a July 6 fundraiser at Panther City BBQ benefitting displaced residents has been planned. Donations can be accepted through July 9, with gift cards to be issued July 16 at United Way offices.
Price and other residents also plan to host a town hall next Thursday with residents and hope to galvanize their group further by holding the meeting.
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