Double fatal fire destroys rural home near Smiley

Two people were killed early Saturday morning when a fire destroyed a mobile home about four miles south of Smiley toward Yorktown.

According to Gonzales County Fire Marshal Jimmy Harless, the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office received the call at 4:15 a.m. from the male resident, who was disabled and unable to escape the blaze. Fire crews arrived at 4:41 a.m., finding the home — a mobile structure with an attached porch — fully engulfed in flames.

Responding agencies included Gonzales Fire South, Yorktown Volunteer Fire Department, Westhoff Volunteer Fire Department, the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office, and the Smiley Marshal’s Office. The home was completely destroyed, though no neighboring properties were affected due to the isolated location.

Authorities confirmed both victims were U.S. military veterans. Family members have been notified, but their names have not yet been released.

Finch Funeral Home is handling arrangements. On the veterans’ side, David Tucy is working with Fire Marshal Harless to pursue military funeral honors for the deceased.

Harless said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, though no criminal activity is suspected.

Further details will be released as the investigation continues.