A Sunday morning fire has left an Alvord home a total loss, according to officials. The structure fire, reported around 5:30 a.m. In the 200 block of Wickham Street, was fully involved when firefighters arrived on the scene. No injuries were reported, though initial concerns arose about potential occupants still inside the residence, but they were found safe in the backyard. The incident underscores the ongoing elevated fire risk in Wise County, which remains under a 90-day burn ban.
Alvord Fire Chief Heather Redder confirmed the extent of the damage, stating, “The house is still standing, but by the looks of it, it will be a total loss.” Firefighters from multiple departments, including Wise County EMS, responded to battle the blaze, working for several hours before terminating command around 9 a.m. The response highlights the collaborative efforts of emergency services in the region.
Fire Weather Conditions and Burn Ban
The Alvord house fire occurred amidst heightened fire weather conditions across Wise County. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about breezy and dry conditions, with a high temperature expected around 74 degrees and south-southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. These conditions, combined with the existing burn ban, create a significant risk for wildfires. Outdoor burning is currently prohibited throughout the county.
Weekend Emergency Responses
The Alvord fire was not the only emergency response for Wise County crews over the weekend. A grass fire was contained Saturday at Bridgeport’s Northwest OHV Park with a multi-departmental response. Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident on Farm Road 51 north of Decatur Saturday night. According to Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger, the driver of a sedan rear-ended a pickup truck and sustained serious injuries, requiring transport to Medical City Decatur. The pickup truck driver was also taken to the Decatur hospital in stable condition. Decatur Fire Department, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, and the Wise County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.
Local Sports Updates
Beyond the emergency responses, Wise County saw a busy weekend in local sports. The Decatur Eagles girls basketball team (34-4) advanced in the playoffs with a 47-29 victory over Seminole in a 4A Division I Region I semifinal on Monday. On the boys’ side, Chico (20-14) secured their first playoff win in 13 seasons, upsetting Tom Bean 58-53 in a 2A Division II bi-district battle. In softball action, Decatur (4-1, 1-0) opened District 7-4A play with a dominant 20-1 win over Lake Worth, while Bridgeport (1-6, 0-1) fell to Callisburg 11-0. Paradise (10-1) suffered their first loss of the season, dropping a close contest to Jacksboro 10-9.
Early Voting and Upcoming Events
Early voting in the March 3 primary election continues to spot strong turnout, with 677 additional votes cast yesterday, bringing the seven-day total to 4,413. Voters can cast their ballots from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. Today at four locations: Decatur Conference Center, Bridgeport ISD Alternative Learning Center, Boyd Community Center, and Alvord City Hall. Residents are also encouraged to participate in a Carter BloodCare blood drive hosted by the City of Bridgeport this Thursday from 10:30 a.m. To 3:30 p.m. At the Bridgeport Public Library. Donors can sign up at wcmess.com/donate22626 and are asked to credit Wise County EMS with sponsor code SPON11066.
Several other community events are planned for the coming week. The Off the Shelf Book Club will discuss “The Elements” by John Boyne on Wednesday at the Decatur Public Library. Bridgeport Parks and Recreation is hosting a Daddy-Daughter Hollywood Nights dance on Friday and Saturday at the Bridgeport Community Center. Tickets are available at bridgeport.recdesk.com.
Playoff Schedules and Funeral Services
Local high school basketball teams continue their playoff journeys this week. The Paradise Panthers girls basketball team (31-4) will face Hooks tonight in a 3A Division I Region II semifinal at Bonham High School. Slidell (27-7) will rematch against Honey Grove in a 2A Division II bi-district showdown at Howe High School. Paradise (31-2) faces Village Tech in a 3AI first-round matchup at Eagle Mountain High School, and Bridgeport (18-17) takes on Fort Worth Dunbar in a 4AII bi-district bout at Azle High School. Decatur and Bridgeport soccer teams will also face off tonight, with the Lady Eagles (6-7, 4-1) hosting the Bridgeport Sissies (3-11, 0-5) and the Eagles (12-0-2, 5-0) taking on the Bulls (13-3, 4-1).
Several funeral services are scheduled this week. Memorial services will be held for Allen Arnold, Susan Kay Boswell, Thomas Bohannan, and Shirley Ann (St. John) Blake. Funerals are planned for Denise Arlene Day, Ross Tipton, Roberto M. Lara, Timothy Michael Schmidt, James Virgle Stevens, and Patricia Brojanowski. Details regarding visitation and service times can be found with Hawkins Funeral Home and Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home.
The investigation into the cause of the Alvord house fire is ongoing. Fire officials have not yet released further details. Residents are reminded to exercise caution and adhere to the current burn ban to prevent further incidents.
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