At 7:23 PM Sunday, Arp Fire was dispatched to assist Overton and Rusk County Fire Departments with a structure fire on Main St in downtown Overton. Upon arrival, fire units found a metal structure fully involved with heavy smoke and flames blowing large embers in the wind. Arp Fire, Jackson Heights Fire, and Smith County ESD2 Command Staff responded to the scene.
Smith County ESD2, Rusk County ESD1, and Volunteers worked together for a defensive fire attack, putting together all of their resources on the exterior of the building to stop the fire from spreading. Henderson Fire responded with a ladder truck, ultimately an incredible tool for the firefighters, providing ariel ability to observe and fire attack. Several Law Enforcement agencies responded for traffic control as a portion of HWY 135 was shut down so firefighters could work safely.
A control time was called at 10:27 PM, and fire crews remained on the scene all night through sunrise hitting hot spots to ensure the fire was out. ATF Fire Investigators were on the scene Tuesday morning assessing the scene, and a cause is not yet determined. The burned structure was a beloved community center and a part of First Baptist Church in Overton. Amazing work by all of our first responders!
Responding Agencies are tagged below:
Smith County ESD2, Arp Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Constable Josh Joplin Smith County Precinct 4, Rusk County OEM, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Overton Fire Department, Overton Police Department, Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department, Crims Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, Henderson Fire Department, New London VFD, Sabine Fire & Rescue, CHRISTUS EMS, and Troup Police Department.