Town of Pine River home destroyed by fire

On Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, the homeowner at N2218 Oak Ridge Ave. in the Town of Pine River called 911 after discovering smoke in the kitchen of their home. Lincoln County deputies were the first on scene, according to a press release issued by the Town of Pine River Fire Department. Deputies “reported no smoke or flames,” said Captain and Public Information Officer Mike Caylor of the Pine River Fire Department in the release.
The Pine River Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 5:21 a.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters also checked the home and found no smoke or flames. “After doing a top-to-bottom search of the home, including using a thermal imaging camera, firefighters cleared the scene,” Caylor said.
However, just hours later, at 9:16 a.m., the homeowner again called 911, this time reporting flames coming from the northeast area of the building. Units were again dispatched. The Pine River Fire Department immediately responded and also used the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System to request additional aid and resources from neighboring departments. This brought an immediate response from the Town of Hewitt Fire Department and Town of Texas Fire Department. A short time later, additional assistance was requested from the Town of Russell Fire Department for manpower and the City of Merrill Fire Department was requested to set up and maintain a fill station site for tankers near Merrill High School.
“Firefighters worked to contain the fire to the east portion of the structure; however, it is believed the fire broke through into the attic very quickly, leading firefighters to conduct an exterior attack and call upon the Lincoln County Highway Department to bring in their clam truck in order to expose hidden fire pockets in the roof,” Caylor said.
“Despite all efforts, the home was declared a total loss,” he said.
“Fire Chief Lofink would like to thank our mutual aid partners — Hewitt, Merrill, Texas, and Russell Fire Departments, along with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office,” the release said. “He also would like to thank The Salvation Army who is assisting the family.”