Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office Probes Deadly Residential Fire in Odessa

June 19, 2026

The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) said it is investigating a residential fire in Odessa that resulted in the death of one firefighter and injured six others.

Firefighters from Odessa Fire Rescue and West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department were battling a fire on Sunday, June 14. Seven firefighters were injured and transported to a local hospital. Six were treated and released. Lt. Isai Huerta died from his injuries.

During fire fighting operations, conditions deteriorated, said Jason Cotton, fire chief for Odessa Fire Rescue.

The Ector County Sheriff’s Office and Odessa Fire Rescue asked SFMO to conduct an origin and cause investigation into the fire. SFMO is also leading a firefighter fatality investigation.

Both investigations are ongoing. SFMO will work closely with local officials to determine the facts and circumstances. SFMO is part of the Texas Department of Insurance.

Source: SFMO