Southeast Houston, November 28, 2025
A Thanksgiving morning house fire in southeast Houston caused significant damage and sent one guest to the hospital with burn injuries. Homeowner Tom Zakes was using a smoker for turkey when flames erupted. Firefighters managed to control the blaze, but extensive damage occurred to the home. Cooking-related fires are prevalent during the holidays, highlighting the need for fire safety awareness.
Southeast Houston House Fire on Thanksgiving Morning
Houston, Texas – A house fire erupted in southeast Houston on Thanksgiving morning, causing significant damage and sending one person to the hospital with burn injuries. The incident occurred along Winding Creek Way, where heavy smoke and flames were visible as firefighters worked to control the blaze.
Details of the Incident
The homeowner, Tom Zakes, was preparing to cook a Thanksgiving turkey using a smoker when the fire began. He had placed corn on the cob on the smoker and was about to add the turkey when he noticed an unusual heat. Turning around, he saw flames emerging from the smoker, which had ignited the surrounding area. Zakes managed to evacuate the house, but one of his guests sustained first and second-degree burns and was transported to the hospital. Fortunately, no firefighters were injured during the operation. The fire caused extensive damage to the back portion of the home. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire Safety Recommendations
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. To prevent such incidents, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines:
- Always have a working smoke detector in your home.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep flammable items away from heat sources.
- Ensure that cooking equipment is in good working condition and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For more detailed safety tips, refer to the Houston Fire Department’s holiday safety guidelines.
Background Information
Cooking-related fires are a significant concern, particularly during holidays when cooking activities increase. The National Fire Protection Association reports that cooking fires peak on Thanksgiving Day, with unattended cooking being a major contributor. It’s essential to stay vigilant and adhere to safety practices to prevent such incidents.
Weather Conditions
On the morning of the fire, Houston experienced mild temperatures, with a current temperature of 13.6°C (56.5°F). The weather was not a contributing factor to the incident.
Related Incidents
In recent months, Houston has experienced other fire-related incidents. For instance, in August, a Houston Fire Department captain sustained burns during a house fire on Botany and Leitrim streets. Additionally, in March, a wildfire in the Sam Houston National Forest expanded to 1,300 acres, prompting evacuations. These events highlight the importance of fire safety awareness and preparedness in the community.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving morning fire in southeast Houston serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with cooking, especially during the holiday season. Adhering to fire safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents and ensure a safe environment for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the house fire in southeast Houston on Thanksgiving morning?
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. However, the homeowner, Tom Zakes, was preparing to cook a Thanksgiving turkey using a smoker when the fire began. He had placed corn on the cob on the smoker and was about to add the turkey when he noticed an unusual heat. Turning around, he saw flames emerging from the smoker, which had ignited the surrounding area.
Were there any injuries in the Thanksgiving morning fire?
Yes, one of the homeowner’s guests sustained first and second-degree burns and was transported to the hospital. Fortunately, no firefighters were injured during the operation.
What are the fire safety recommendations to prevent such incidents?
To prevent cooking-related fires, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines, including always having a working smoke detector in your home, never leaving cooking food unattended, keeping flammable items away from heat sources, and ensuring that cooking equipment is in good working condition and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What were the weather conditions during the fire?
On the morning of the fire, Houston experienced mild temperatures, with a current temperature of 13.6°C (56.5°F). The weather was not a contributing factor to the incident.
Have there been other fire-related incidents in Houston recently?
Yes, in August, a Houston Fire Department captain sustained burns during a house fire on Botany and Leitrim streets. Additionally, in March, a wildfire in the Sam Houston National Forest expanded to 1,300 acres, prompting evacuations. These events highlight the importance of fire safety awareness and preparedness in the community.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast Houston, along Winding Creek Way |
| Time of Incident | Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025 |
| Cause of Fire | Under investigation; homeowner was preparing to cook a turkey using a smoker |
| Injuries | One guest sustained first and second-degree burns; no firefighter injuries |
| Damage | Extensive damage to the back portion of the home |
| Weather Conditions | Mild temperatures; not a contributing factor to the incident |
| Fire Safety Recommendations | Always have a working smoke detector, never leave cooking food unattended, keep flammable items away from heat sources, ensure cooking equipment is in good working condition |
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