DALLAS – Dallas Fire-Rescue has confirmed that a fire at a popular downtown music venue is being treated as an arson case. The fire, which severely damaged Jack’s House, is currently under investigation as authorities search for the individual responsible.
Co-owner Willie Trimmer reported that he witnessed the suspect in the act of setting the fire but was unable to apprehend the individual.
The incident occurred overnight on Friday when Trimmer was working on renovations at the Elm Street club. While in another part of the venue, he heard suspicious sounds and quickly ran to investigate. He discovered the DJ booth engulfed in flames.
“They came prepared,” said co-owner John Wayne Colwell. “They arrived with gasoline and set the fire deliberately.”
Trimmer recounted seeing a stranger pouring gasoline inside the venue before he was noticed. “I shouted at him, and he ran out. I started to chase him, but then I realized it wasn’t the safest decision. He could have been armed, so I stopped and turned back,” Trimmer explained. Unfortunately, the suspect managed to escape.
Dallas Fire-Rescue responded swiftly to the scene, extinguishing two separate fires by approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday. However, authorities have yet to release any information about the suspect, and an investigation is underway.
“We’re baffled,” said Colwell. “We just don’t understand why someone would do something like this.”
Jack’s House, a cornerstone of Dallas’ dance music scene, has been a labor of love for its owners over the past six years. The venue hosts renowned DJs from around the country while also supporting local talent. “Last year, we booked over 500 local DJs here in Dallas,” Colwell noted. “We’ve created a special place, a home for many in the dance music community.”
While the future remains uncertain, the owners remain optimistic. “We love what we do, and we’re committed to rebuilding,” Trimmer said. “Our passion for dance music is unwavering, and the community’s support means everything to us. We will rebuild stronger than ever.”