Fritch Fire Chief remembered as a ‘true servant leader’ following death responding to structure fire

FRITCH, Texas (KFDA) - The Fritch Volunteer Fire Department Chief Zeb Smith has died while battling a structure fire this morning.

In a news conference in Borger this afternoon, officials addressed the incident.

Brandon Strope, assistant city manager and public information officer with the City of Borger, said Chief Smith was the first to arrive at a structure fire this morning around 7:01 a.m.

Chief Smith arrived to the fire and entered the home to see if anyone was inside.

Chief Smith did not exit the home.

He was found at 7:30 a.m. and given immediate medical treatment. He was transported to Golden Plains Community Hospital, where he later died.

At this time, a cause of death has not been determined. An autopsy has been ordered.

While the structure fire was not directly related to the ongoing wildfires, Strope said “I would be remiss if I did not say Chief Smith, along with every volunteer firefighter, has responded the last nine days actively fighting fires.”

Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin said, “I would like to extend my deepest condolences.”

Irwin continued saying, “I’m extremely proud of the work that our local firefighters have done, not only responding to the ongoing historic wildfires, but what they do daily.”

Judge Irwin said Chief Smith led a department that prioritized the community.

Fritch Mayor Thomas Ray said Chief Smith was originally from Borger. He lived and worked in Fritch.

He began his service in the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department in 2017 and raised to the rank of Chief in 2020.

He is survived by his wife and two sons.

“He was one of my kids,” said Mayor Ray.

Allan Wells, Fire Chief in Stinnett, said, “Not only did I know Chief Smith as a professional colleague, he was also a friend.”

Chief Wells continued, saying “He was known as a dedicated firefighter and a true servant leader. I’ll miss Zeb, and the community will miss him as well.”

In a separate news conference in Canadian, Governor Abbott addressed the death of Chief Smith.

“I want to comment on the incredibly tragic and sad news about the Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith losing his life today while fighting a fire in Hutchinson County,” said Gov. Abbott. “It is always a tragedy to lose any life, but to see one of our chiefs, first responders, working to battle back against flames and losing his life in the line of duty is something that we never want to see. And I just want to reach out to his family and let his family know how proud and grateful the entire state of Texas is for a person who leaves such a legacy that he was willing to put his own life on the line to save the property of others, and that is what Texas heroism is all about.”

TDEM Chief Nim Kidd joined in expressing his thoughts and prayers to the family of Chief Smith.

“He was a great man who will be sorely missed,” said Kidd.

A memorial service to celebrate his life and honor his service will be announced at a later date.

The Fritch Volunteer Fire Department has been battling the recent wildfires, including the Windy Deuce Fire that has burned 144,206 acres and is just 55% contained.