Residents report thefts from Cooper Apartments after fire

In Fort Worth, Texas, a devastating six-alarm fire enveloped the Cooper apartment complex last Monday afternoon, forcing over 800 residents to evacuate. The fire originated on the roof of the building, resulting in a partial collapse and producing overwhelming smoke that spread across a vast area. Ten days following the incident, many displaced individuals are still awaiting clear guidance from property management regarding their living situations. While some belongings were retrieved, at least 25 apartment units are classified as total losses, leaving tenants like Samuel Markelson anxious about the fate of their items. Furthermore, inadequate communication has plagued the management’s handling of relocation logistics, leading to growing frustration among former residents surrounding lease cancellations and property access. In addition to the uncertainty surrounding housing, complaints of theft have emerged. Many tenants reported that items—including valuable jewelry and liquor—were stolen from locked apartments while they were barred from returning. As investigations by Fort Worth police unfold, residents are expressing deep concern over the unsecured state of their belongings, compounded by a pervasive sense of vulnerability as outsiders have reportedly entered their units without proper notification. The property management company has acknowledged the chaotic aftermath of the fire, offering four months of free rent at sister properties as compensation, but unanswered questions still dominate the conversations of displaced residents. Active support initiatives are underway, with local community organizations and government officials mobilizing to aid those affected. However, the journey towards recovery appears fraught with confusion and a lack of transparency, creating an environment ripe for anxiety among individuals seeking closure in the wake of such a traumatic experience.