CENTERVILLE — The Groveton Fire Department battled a structure fire in the Centerville area that left a a home damaged.
Fire Chief Glenn Hammond said that when firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy smoke pouring from the roof line and began immediate fire suppression operations.
“The fire had made its way to the carport,” he said. “With a fast attack and with Trinity VFD arriving with more water in time, we knocked it down but not before heavily damaging the house.”
Hammond said the cause is undetermined, but it appears to have started in the kitchen.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Trinity Fire Department and Apple Springs Fire Department for their prompt response and mutual aid assistance,” he said. “Their support was instrumental in bringing the situation under control safely and efficiently.”
He also said that because of the teamwork and dedication of all responding departments, the fire was contained, and no injuries were reported.
On Friday, firefighters responded to a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 287 south of Groveton.
According to reports from Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, a 2014 International truck-tractor semi-trailer, a 2018 Toyota Rav 4, and a 2012 Dodge Ram were all traveling north at approximately 5:38 p.m.
It is reported that the driver of the International slowed to make a left-hand turn, the Toyota came to stop behind him, but the driver of the Dodge failed to control his speed and struck the Toyota. The Toyota was then pushed into the trailer of the International.
The driver of the International, 60-year-old Dwayn Davis of Lufkin, was not injured.
The driver of the Toyota, 19-year-old Kalyssa Dickens of Woodlake, and one passenger identified as 20-year-old Jaxson Otter of Woodlake, were not injured.
The driver of the Dodge, 22-year-old Martin Chavez of Groveton, and one passenger identified as 16-year-old minor, were not injured.
The investigation is continuing.
