By the time the last hose was rolled and the embers cooled, the six-alarm fire that ripped through The Cooper apartments in Fort Worth had already made its mark as one of the largest in city history. More than 800 residents were displaced. Hundreds of homes were gone. But what happened after the fire is what folks in Fort Worth will remember.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The morning after the blaze, Fort Worth firefighters returned \u2014 not in turnout gear to battle flames, but in gloves and sweat-soaked uniforms, walking through the charred skeletons of buildings to recover what they could for residents who couldn\u2019t return home. Wedding rings, baby shoes, heirloom jewelry, prescription medication. \u201cThey gave us detailed lists and maps of where the items might be,\u201d The Fort Worth Fire Department posted on Facebook. \u201cWe just wanted to get in, get it, and get out \u2014 then move on to the next one.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wagon after wagon emerged from the smoke-stained wreckage, filled with what little was salvageable. \u201cSome of these folks have been waiting a week just to hold onto something familiar,\u201d the post continued. \u201cWe weren\u2019t going to let them wait any longer.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
As temperatures climbed, so did the number of neighbors asking how they could help. The fire may have consumed the apartments on West Rosedale, but it ignited something else in Fort Worth \u2014 solidarity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the days following the fire, a coalition of community leaders, businesses, and barbecue joints sprang into action. Panther City BBQ, alongside Ben E. Keith Foods, The Woman\u2019s Club of Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Barbecue Co., announced a benefit plate sale scheduled for Sunday, July 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For $20, patrons will receive two smoked chicken quarters with Mexican rice, pinto beans, and bottled water\u2014 comfort food served with a side of compassion. Every dollar will go to fire victims through the United Way of Tarrant County.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Where to Donate Money\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cooper Fire Relief Fund\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Organized by Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck, Near Southside Inc., and United Way of Tarrant County.\u00a0<\/p>\n Donations accepted through\u00a0July 9. Funds will be distributed directly to verified residents on\u00a0July 16\u00a0as gift cards.\u00a0<\/p>\n Donate:\u00a0bit.ly\/CooperReliefFund<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Service Donation Portal\u00a0<\/p>\n Local businesses can pledge meals, housing, furniture, memberships, and other services.\u00a0<\/p>\n Submit offers:\u00a0bit.ly\/CooperServicesDonation<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Red Cross North Texas\u00a0<\/p>\n Operating at\u00a0One Safe Place\u00a0(1100 Hemphill St) offering emergency shelter, essentials, pet reunification, and volunteer support.\u00a0<\/p>\n Temporary Housing and City Services\u00a0<\/p>\n The City of Fort Worth, local apartment providers, and the Park & Recreation Department are assisting with temporary housing.\u00a0<\/p>\n Trinity Metro is providing access to cooling stations during extreme heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n Important Dates\u00a0<\/p>\n July 6\u00a0\u2013 BBQ Plate Fundraiser (11 a.m. \u2013 2 p.m.)\u00a0<\/p>\n July 9\u00a0\u2013 Final day to donate to the Cooper Fire Relief Fund\u00a0<\/p>\n July 16\u00a0\u2013 Gift card distribution for verified residents at United Way (201 N. Rupert St, Suite 107)\u00a0<\/p>\n Contact and Support\u00a0<\/p>\n Need help or want to volunteer?\u00a0<\/p>\n Email:\u00a0[email\u00a0protected]<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Businesses wishing to contribute services:\u00a0<\/p>\n