Texas Fire Chief Dies After Weeklong Wildfire Battle

Zeb Smith, 40, succumbed to injuries sustained in a house fire, unrelated to the wildfires he had been combating.

Zeb Smith, the fire chief of Fritch, Texas, died after fighting a structure fire, following over a week of battling the Smokehouse Creek Fire.
The house fire that claimed Smith's life was not caused by the wildfires, but his exhaustive efforts in combating the blazes are believed to have played a role in the incident.
Smith's dedication to his community was highlighted, with officials and residents mourning the loss of a leader who worked tirelessly to protect his town.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire, part of a series of wildfires in the Texas Panhandle, has burned an estimated 1,059,570 acres and is about 44% contained.
A memorial service for Smith will be announced, honoring his legacy of service and dedication to public safety.