MC Fires: One Fatal, Both Under Investigation

**Montgomery County Fire Marshal Investigates Two Weekend Fires, One Fatal**

**CONROE, TX – November 6, 2023** – The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office (MCFMO) is actively investigating two separate residential fires that occurred over the past weekend, one of which tragically resulted in a fatality in New Caney.

The more severe incident took place late Saturday night, November 4th, around 11:30 PM, in the 23700 block of FM 1485 in New Caney, a rural area in East Montgomery County. Responding units from New Caney Fire Department, with assistance from Porter and Splendora Fire Departments, arrived to find a devastating scene. The residence was fully engulfed in flames and had largely collapsed, indicating the intense nature of the blaze.

Firefighters bravely battling the inferno later discovered one person deceased inside the structure. The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending an official autopsy by the Montgomery County Forensic Services and notification of next of kin.

“This is a truly tragic situation, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” stated Lieutenant Jason Mills, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office. “Our investigators are working diligently to determine the cause and origin of this fire, which unfortunately proved fatal.”

Authorities confirmed that this specific property had experienced another, unrelated fire incident in late October. While details of the earlier fire were not immediately available, officials noted the significantly more severe outcome of Saturday night’s blaze. The cause of the fatal fire remains under intensive investigation by the MCFMO.

Less than 24 hours later, on Sunday, November 5th, at approximately 2:30 PM, the MCFMO was called to investigate a second residential fire. This incident occurred in the 25700 block of Budde Road, located in South Montgomery County.

The South Montgomery County Fire Department was the primary responder to the scene, quickly joined by The Woodlands Fire Department. Firefighters efficiently brought the flames under control, preventing widespread damage. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in connection with this second fire. Its cause is also currently under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire Marshal Bill Barker emphasized the complexity of fire investigations. “Each fire presents unique challenges,” Barker said. “Our teams meticulously examine every piece of evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to ignition. Our goal is not only to determine the cause but also to provide closure for affected families and to identify any patterns that could help prevent future incidents.”

The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office urges all residents to regularly check their smoke detectors and practice fire escape plans. Further updates on both investigations will be released as they become available.