All articles tagged with #fritch
Fritch, Texas, a small town in the Panhandle region, has faced multiple disasters over the years, including tornadoes and wildfires. The recent wildfire has destroyed dozens of homes, leaving many residents homeless. Despite the population decline, some residents are determined to stay, valuing the tight-knit community and resilience in the face of adversity.
Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith, who had been actively fighting wildfires in the Texas Panhandle region, died while responding to a separate structure fire in the city. Smith went inside the building to check for people needing rescue and did not come out. His cause of death has not been determined, but officials believe his involvement in fighting the wildfires may have played a role. Smith's dedication to duty and commitment to community safety were highlighted by county officials, as the region continues to grapple with devastating wildfires.
Fritch, Texas volunteer fire chief Zeb Smith, who had been fighting the state's historic wildfires for over a week, died while responding to a structure fire unrelated to the wildfires. Smith, a dedicated public servant, was the first on the scene and tragically succumbed to his injuries despite emergency medical assistance. His death came as the wildfires burned over 1.1 million acres in Hutchinson County. Officials noted that Smith had not gotten much sleep while continuously fighting wildfires for nearly 10 days. Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later time.
Fritch Volunteer Fire Department Chief Zeb Smith died while responding to a structure fire, leaving behind a legacy of community service and leadership. Governor Abbott and TDEM Chief Nim Kidd expressed condolences, highlighting Smith's heroism. The department, actively fighting wildfires, mourns the loss of a dedicated firefighter and leader.