Officials have identified an elderly married couple as the two people who died in a house fire last week in DeSoto.

The Dallas County medical examiner identified the pair as Joyce Buenger Martin, 89, and James Alan Martin, 96. Joyce's cause of death was ruled an accident on Sunday, while James' autopsy was still pending, records show.

Advertisement

DeSoto firefighters responded to a blaze at the couple's home on Canyon Ridge Drive at about 2:33 p.m. on Dec. 17, a news release from the department said. When emergency crews arrived at the scene, they - with help from Duncanville fire personnel and DeSoto police - found the house engulfed in flames and not safe to enter.

Advertisement

Firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes, according to the release. They were able to put the fire out, and no other homes were damaged in the matter.

Breaking News

Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond.

SIGN UP

Or with:

GoogleFacebook

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

"The City of DeSoto expresses its profound sorrow for the loss of life in this tragic incident and extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected," the release said. "As a community, we stand together in support as we mourn this loss."

Advertisement

Fire Chief Bryan Southard told The Dallas Morning News Wednesday that the damage to the house was very extensive, so a preliminary cause of the fire was not immediately available. He said the fire marshal's investigation is ongoing.

Related StoriesView MoreMan, 103, killed in Denton house fire, second victim critically injured, officials sayCause of blaze sought after 2 killed in DeSoto house fire, officials sayDallas Fire-Rescue almost done training firefighters, EMTs on mass casualty responseSaturday fire destroys at least 12 apartments in Lake Highlands, official says