Early on January 1, 2025, South Hunt County Fire and Tawakoni Fire responded to a reported structure fire with a victim trapped in West Tawakoni. Engine 21, Chief 1, and Chief 2 from Quinlan joined Tawakoni Fire units, arriving to find heavy smoke and flames showing from the front of a two-story residence.
Tawakoni Fire personnel located the victim at a second-story window and attempted a ladder rescue. Meanwhile, South Hunt County Chief 2 entered the structure, navigating heavy fire in the kitchen and living area on the first floor. Chief 2 reached the victim in a second-story bedroom and began the rescue.
While exiting, a makeshift sliding door temporarily trapped Chief 2 and the victim in the stairwell. Chief 2 forced through the obstruction and successfully removed the victim. Hunt County EMS treated the individual on the scene before transporting them to a local hospital in stable condition.
A thorough search of the home by South Hunt County and Tawakoni Fire personnel confirmed no additional victims. Fire units from Lone Oak and East Tawakoni assisted in extinguishing the fire. The Hunt County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.
