Smith County House Fire Ruled Accidental

Blaze started in attic near chimney, then rekindled hours later

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A house fire in Smith County, Texas that started around 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026 was ruled accidental by the Smith County Fire Marshal's Office. The fire originated in the attic space near the chimney while the fireplace was in use, causing significant damage to the home. Hours later, a rekindle of the same fire fully engulfed the structure, leading to a total loss. No injuries were reported, and the Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

Why it matters

House fires can pose serious risks to public safety, especially when they rekindle hours later. This incident highlights the importance of proper fireplace and chimney maintenance to prevent accidental blazes, as well as the need for fire departments to thoroughly investigate the root causes of fires to prevent future occurrences.

The details

According to the Smith County Fire Marshal's Office, the initial fire was reported around 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at a residence in the 14000 block of Valleyview Ridge. Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze, which was contained to the area around the chimney. However, around 6 a.m. the same morning, another emergency call reported the same home was fully involved in flames. Investigators determined this was a rekindle of the previous fire, and the structure was a total loss.

  • The initial fire was reported around 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • The rekindle was reported around 6 a.m. on the same day, February 1, 2026.

The players

Chad Hogue

The Smith County Fire Marshal who investigated the cause of the fires.

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What they’re saying

“The cause of the fire was accidental due to fire escaping from the chimney into the attic of the residence while the fireplace was being used.”

— Chad Hogue, Smith County Fire Marshal (kltv.com)

What’s next

The Smith County Fire Marshal's Office will continue to investigate the incident to determine if any additional safety measures or code updates are needed to prevent similar accidental fires in the future.

The takeaway

This tragic house fire serves as a reminder for homeowners to regularly inspect and maintain their chimneys and fireplaces to reduce the risk of accidental blazes. Proper precautions can help prevent devastating losses like this one.