San Angelo House Fire Victim Dies From Injuries, Space Heater Suspected Cause

SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed the death of Filomeno Morales, who suffered critical injuries in a house fire on Feb. 26 at 417 E. Van Zandt St. Investigators suspect a space heater may have caused the blaze, though the official cause remains under investigation.

Emergency crews responded around 10 p.m. to reports of heavy smoke and flames. Morales was found outside the home and transported to the University Medical Center Burn Center in Lubbock, where he remained under care until he passed away on March 18.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time,” Fire Marshal Billy Clemons said. “This tragic incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety measures in every home.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to follow safety precautions when using space heaters, including:

• Following manufacturer instructions.
• Using heaters with automatic shut-off features.
• Keeping heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
• Never leaving heaters unattended.