One Killed in Scarborough Festival Fire

One person was killed late Monday evening in a fast-moving fire on the grounds of Waxahachie's Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

Officials said the fire broke out just before 10:30 p.m. in the apartment of groundskeeper Will Ross.

When firefighters arrived at the fairgrounds, they found heavy fire quickly spreading through the complex. In all, six fire departments were called in to battle the fire before it began to burn through part of the 35-acre village.

When an employee who lives on the grounds was unable to be located, firefighters concentrated their firefighting efforts near his residence. Once the fire was put out, Ross' body was found inside.

By the time the fire was tapped out it had burned through seven buildings, including an apartment, several shops and a restroom.

A firefighter was also injured in the fire and was transported to Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie after suffering from heat-related issues. The firefighter's condition is not known.

Investigators are working to determine what started the fire.

A spokesperson for the fairgrounds, which are part of a 167-acre property, said they should have time to rebuild before the renaissance festival reopens next April. The section of the fairgrounds that hosts Screams Halloween theme park was not affected by the fire and should open on schedule this October.

NBC 5's Kim Fischer contributed to this report.

Contact Us