House Fire Destroys Woodville Home on Thanksgiving Morning

By Sal Baldovinos

WOODVILLE, Texas – Nov. 27, 2025 — A Thanksgiving morning house fire displaced a Woodville resident after crews from multiple agencies worked together to contain a blaze on FM 1746.

The Woodville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 8:06 a.m. to 819 FM 1746 after reports of smoke coming from the home owned by Ken Hortan. According to Woodville VFD Chief Alan Gartner, firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions and requested mutual aid from Ivanhoe and Colmesneil fire departments to bring the fire under control.

Tyler County Emergency Management responded with a cascade trailer to refill air bottles, and Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department was later called to assist with overhaul due to the extensive work required.

Additional agencies on scene included the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Woodville Police Department, City of Woodville Utility Department, and Allegiance Ambulance Service.

Chief Gartner said the fire is believed to have been electrical in nature, though the official cause remains under investigation.

No additional details on injuries or damages have been released. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Photos provided by Alan Gartner