Overview
- A studio light caught fire while Noah Simmons was live on air tracking tornado warnings in the Fort Smith area on Saturday, June 6, and he continued giving updates rather than cut the broadcast.
- A producer used a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze, and the extinguisher’s gas created the haze that looked like heavy smoke on camera.
- Simmons said he was alone in the studio, covered his nose and mouth with his shirt during the event, and alerted off‑camera colleagues as the producer intervened.
- No injuries were reported; Simmons later described only minor throat irritation and watery eyes and said the station offered medical services.
- Clips of the moment went viral after being shared by national outlets and social platforms, prompting praise for his composure and renewed attention to newsroom safety and live‑coverage protocols.