EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Fire crews are still on scene on Tuesday, April 21, after a large fire broke out in South-Central El Paso and “human remains” appeared to be found at the scene.
As KTSM 9 News previously reported, the fire occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at 1314 Magoffin Avenue, and investigators suspect arson as the cause.
El Paso Fire: South-Central fire considered arson
Fire officials believe that the fire broke out on the patio of a vacant home and spread to the other buildings. In total, the fire affected three properties on the block.
On Monday, April 20, officials with the El Paso Fire Department say that during debris removal, contractors discovered what appears to be “human remains” on the scene. The El Paso Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons unit is investigating the death of an unknown male found at the scene.
Human remains found after large Magoffin fire
KTSM camera crews went out to the scene on Tuesday, April 21, and found that the buildings affected by the fire were taped off, with the tapes saying, “Fire line do not cross” and “Crime scene do not cross.”
The building with the most fire damage was at 1305 Magoffin with part of the roof collapsed and the front of the property was blackened.
1305 Magoffin and 1308 Magoffin are shown with fire damage and an El Paso Fire Department engine in front, taped off. Photo taken by Tony Pina 4.21.26
Part of the roof of 1305 Magoffin burned off. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 4.21.26
1305 Magoffin burned after large fire. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 4.21.26
“No trespassing” sign posted on 1305 Magoffin. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 4.21.26
1308 Magoffin damaged by large fire. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 04.21.26
1308 Magoffin damaged by large fire. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 04.21.26
1308 Magoffin damaged by large fire. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 04.21.26
Police and fire tapes, taping off scene of South-Central fire. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 04.21.26
1314 Magoffin where the fire officials believe the fire started. Photo taken by Tony Pina/KTSM 04.21.26
Surveillance photo captured by Google Maps showed that the building before the blaze was boarded up and had “No Trespassing” signs plastered across the front of the property.
The building next door to 1305 Magoffin — 1308 Magoffin — is seen with little fire damage with ashes on the front steps of the building and burn marks are seen on the roof.
1314 Magoffin, the home where fire officials said the blaze might have begun, did not show any fire damage in the front of the property.
Investigations by both the El Paso Fire Department and the El Paso Police Department are underway. This is a developing story and will update you once we learn more.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.