Chapel Hill Man Dies In Saturday House Fire

Chapel Hill firefighters found a Tyler man dead Saturday when they responded to a fire at Farm-to-Market Road 848 and Spur 248. The fire occurred about 3 p.m. at the home of Hal Smith, 73.

Joyce Smith, his sister-in-law, said everything started when neighbors heard an explosion, saw the house on fire and called 911. When responders arrived, they forced their way through the back door and were able to retrieve Smith’s body.

The fire was contained to the living room, where Smith was found, but caused heavy smoke damage throughout the house, Smith County Fire Marshal Jim Seaton said. Authorities estimate the total damage at about $18,000.

Seaton said Smith most likely died from smoke inhalation and burns. However, it was still unknown if he died before or after the fire broke out.

Standing next to the home as officials searched the scene, Ms. Smith said she believes the fire started with propane tanks. She said her brother-in-law had the propane tanks because he did not have electricity. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
By Kelly Gooch in The Tyler Morning Telegraph