Upshur County, TX (February 3, 2026) – A devastating house fire in the Pritchett community of Upshur County claimed one life and left two others injured. The blaze broke out around 5:00 a.m. at a residence on Hawthorne Rd, where responding fire crews found the home fully engulfed. According to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, 64-year-old Paul Christopher Wooten died in the fire. Two other individuals escaped by jumping out of windows and suffered injuries from broken glass before being transported to a hospital. Authorities suspect a space heater may have caused the fire, though the official cause remains under investigation. Multiple volunteer fire departments responded, and the Red Cross is assisting the affected family.
Key Details
- Location: Upshur County, TX
- Where: Hawthorne Rd, Pritchett community
- Type: Residential Fire With Fatality and Injuries
- Reported: February 2
- Injuries: 1 confirmed fatality, 2 injured
- Responding Agency: Upshur County Sheriff’s Office; multiple fire departments
What We Know So Far
- The fire occurred around 5 a.m. on Hawthorne Rd in the Pritchett area.
- Paul Christopher Wooten, 64, died in the fire.
- Two other individuals escaped through windows and were hospitalized for injuries.
- Five fire departments responded to the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The official cause of the fire—space heater involvement is suspected but unconfirmed.
- The current condition of the injured survivors.
- Whether working smoke detectors were present in the home.
- Extent of damage to neighboring structures, if any.
Local Context
Hawthorne Rd lies within the rural Pritchett community of Upshur County, where fire response often involves multiple volunteer departments due to distance and terrain. Early morning fires in residential structures are particularly dangerous, as occupants may be asleep and slower to detect hazards. In this case, responders from East Mountain VFD, Gilmer Fire, Pleasant Grove, Pritchett VFD, and West Mountain VFD worked together to control the blaze. The Red Cross is now providing support to the survivors as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues under the direction of the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.
What to Do Next
- If you live nearby, ensure your smoke detectors are working and have an emergency exit plan in place.
- If you or someone you know was affected, reach out to the Red Cross or local aid groups for temporary shelter and assistance.
- Document any relevant information if you witnessed the fire or response activity.
- Follow official updates from Upshur County authorities regarding the fire investigation.
FAQ
Q: What are common causes of residential fires in rural areas?
A: Common causes include space heaters, electrical faults, unattended cooking, and chimney-related issues, especially during colder months.
Q: How can people safely escape a house fire?
A: Have working smoke detectors, establish an escape plan with at least two exits per room, and practice the plan regularly. Avoid opening hot doors and stay low to avoid smoke.
Q: Who investigates the cause of a fatal house fire?
A: Local fire departments and sheriff’s offices often conduct joint investigations, sometimes with help from the state fire marshal or insurance investigators.
