At 11:08 p.m. on Monday, November 27, emergency services, including the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office and multiple fire departments, were called to respond to a reported fire in the 6600 block of Blanche Street, Tyler.
Upon arrival, fire crews discovered a single-story residence and its attached carport engulfed in flames. Two individuals, suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, were transported to Christus Trinity Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler for medical treatment.
Despite the efforts of the responding Fire Department personnel, the house and carport sustained irreparable damage, resulting in a total loss. Fortunately, there were no additional injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting that the blaze originated in an area where a heat lamp was being used to keep outdoor pets warm, according to Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue.
Hogue issued a cautionary statement, emphasizing the importance of safety measures when using heat-generating devices. He stressed that such devices should always have a minimum of 3 feet of clearance from any flammable materials and advised against the use of extension cords or multi-plug outlets with heaters.
Multiple fire departments, including Winona, Chapel Hill, Jackson Heights, and Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2, responded to the scene to contain the fire and provide assistance.
