Courtesy Photo
Firefighters with the Payne Springs Fire Department attempt to extinguish a house fire July 5.

PAYNE SPRINGS–The volunteers of Payne Springs Fire Rescue (PSFR) were alerted for a working structure fire in Hidden Hills Harbor July 5 according to reports on their social media. At the time of dispatch, a large column of smoke was visible. Reports indicate the call was updated confirming entrapment in the structure. PSFR’s auto aid departments were already dispatched and additional mutual aid companies were requested and notified.
PSFR Chief 1 arrived to find 80% of the structure involved in heavy fire. Engine 1 arrived just after Chief 1 with 3 onboard and stretched an attack line to attempt a rescue. The family had given PSFR the location of the person trapped and there was heavy fire in that area. Crews attempted an interior attack in that area but the nozzleman fell through the floor. Crews worked to knock down the majority of the fire while others entered a window of a bedroom to attempt to locate the trapped person. Unfortunately, the person was located underneath some debris in an area heavily damaged by fire.
PSFR was assisted by Gun Barrel City Fire Department, Eustace Fire Department, Caney City Volunteer Fire Department, Log Cabin City Fire Department, UT Health EMS, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson County Fire Marshal. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Henderson County Fire Marshal’s office.