Early on Saturday morning, February 1, 2026, Paul Christopher Wooten, 64, of Upshur County, Texas, perished in a terrible home fire on Hawthorne Road in the Pritchett neighborhood. Two more people were injured and admitted to the hospital after surviving by jumping from windows. The family lost all of their possessions when the house was totally destroyed by fire.
The fire broke out between 4:30 and 5 a.m., according to Upshur County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Rhonda Welch. Responding fire crews arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames. Wooten was unable to escape and was pronounced dead at the scene. The two survivors suffered cuts and other injuries from broken glass as they leapt from the burning structure to save themselves.
Investigators suspect that a space heater may have sparked the fire, though the official cause remains under review. The cold winter temperatures in East Texas have made space heaters common in homes, but officials warn that they can pose serious fire risks if not used properly. Multiple volunteer fire departments responded to the scene, working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties.
The residence was completely destroyed, leaving the surviving family members without any belongings. The American Red Cross has stepped in to provide immediate assistance, offering shelter, clothing, and other necessities to help the family recover from the tragedy. Local community members have also begun organizing support efforts to aid those affected.
Neighbors in the Pritchett area expressed shock and sadness over the incident, describing Wooten as a longtime resident whose presence will be deeply missed. The fire has reignited conversations about home safety in rural communities, where volunteer fire departments often face challenges in responding quickly to emergencies due to distance and limited resources.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging residents to take precautions with heating equipment and ensure smoke detectors are functioning properly. For Wooten’s family and friends, the focus remains on grieving the loss of a loved one while rebuilding their lives after the destruction of their home. The tragedy underscores the importance of fire safety awareness and community support in times of crisis.