Two Big Spring Residents Die in Early Morning House Fire

A devastating fire claimed the lives of two Big Spring residents early Thursday morning. The victims, identified as 41-year-old Daniella Sarmiento and 37-year-old Chris Salazar, succumbed to their injuries at Scenic Mountain Medical Center following the blaze.

The fire broke out at approximately 2:34 a.m. on November 21 in a single-story home located on the 1400 block of Park Street. According to Big Spring Fire Marshal Hendrickson, flames were observed emanating from the back of the residence when fire crews arrived on the scene.

The Big Spring Fire Department dispatched three fire trucks, the Battalion Chief, and the Fire Marshal to combat the blaze. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the fire, clearing the scene by 8:00 a.m. Tragically, despite their efforts, Sarmiento and Salazar were unable to survive their injuries.

An investigation revealed that the fire was caused by an accidental malfunction of an electrical heating device. Additionally, officials noted the absence of working smoke detectors in the home, which may have contributed to the tragedy by delaying the occupants’ awareness of the fire.

The loss has deeply impacted the Big Spring community, with neighbors and friends expressing shock and sorrow over the incident. Authorities are using this tragic event to emphasize the importance of fire safety, particularly during colder months when the use of heating devices increases the risk of house fires.

Fire Marshal Hendrickson urged residents to ensure their homes are equipped with functioning smoke detectors and to regularly inspect electrical appliances for potential hazards. “This tragedy is a stark reminder of how crucial fire prevention measures are,” he said in a statement.

The Big Spring Fire Department continues to investigate the incident, and the community is rallying to support the families of the victims during this difficult time.