04/15/2026
At 9:27pm Tuesday night, your Terrell volunteer firefighters were dispatched to the area of CR 237A on a structure fire. Multiple callers reported heavy fire in a residence with a person potentially still inside. A large glow could be seen from the area. Aid was immediately requested from Terrell FD, Elmo FD, and Ables Springs FD.
Firefighters arrived less than 7 minutes after dispatch to find heavy fire through the roof. A search was initiated and the person reported inside was located. Firefighters used hand lines and an engine-mounted deck gun to bring the fire under control. Unfortunately, the combination of heavy fire involvement on arrival, gusty winds, and water supply challenges made fire control challenging and the home suffered catastrophic damage. While the investigation is ongoing, it is believed that the fire originated from an overturned heat lamp in the garage which was being used to keep baby chicks warm.
Most FD resources cleared the scene at 1:56am after conducting extensive overhaul, using more than 30,000 gallons of water. TVFD personnel have and will continue to return throughout the day to check for hot spots and conduct any additional overhaul required.
While working this fire, a nearby resident chose to blast down CR 237A on his dirt bike, narrowly avoiding emergency responders on multiple occasions. The Fire Marshal on scene responded, finding that the subject had already crashed into a culvert. After evaluation by EMS, the rider was booked into the Kaufman County Jail on reckless driving charges and his bike was impounded.
TVFD encourages caution with any heat sources or open flames inside your home. A heat lamp and some bedding for animals can turn into a major fire in seconds.
We also ask that motorists use caution and avoid areas where firefighters are working. We shouldn't have to dodge dirt bike riders and their poor decisions while working a fire.
TVFD appreciates all of our mutual aid partners who responded to assist.