Historic East Texas House Destroyed in Fire

GLADEWATER — The historic Bumpus House in Gladewater was destroyed by fire early Friday morning. The Bumpus House is located on the 200 block of East Upshur Avenue. According to KETK, fire officials said the back side of the house was engulfed in flames when they arrived. Two additional fire departments were called in to assist Gladewater with the blaze. At one point, there were more than 20 firefighters working on the fire, but they had to be called away from the house because it was structurally insecure.

Authorities with the Gladewater Fire Department say that there were no injuries, but one fireman was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Until the fire, the house was a well-preserved colonial home. It was built around the turn of the century, and was owned by William E. Bumpus and his wife Catherine. It became a Texas Historic Landmark in 1994.