07/29/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Knox City Fire Marshal's Office and Knox City Police Department Concludes Investigation into Knox City Country Club Fire
KNOX CITY, TEXAS — The Knox City Police Department and Knox City Fire Marshal's Office with assistance from the Texas Department of Insurance-State Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded its investigation into the structure fire that occurred at the Knox City Country Club on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
At approximately 10:11 p.m., the Knox City Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the roof of the Clubhouse at the Knox City Country Club, located in the 1000 block of U.S. Highway 6 South in Knox City. Upon arrival, firefighters observed a single-story brick structure with smoke venting from the attic space and immediately initiated fire suppression operations.
Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid assistance was requested from the Munday Volunteer Fire Department and Benjamin Volunteer Fire Department. At the time the 911 call was received, the clubhouse had been secured for the evening and was unoccupied.
During firefighting operations, the structure sustained a catastrophic collapse involving the roof and portions of the east and west exterior walls. Firefighters were safely accounted for during the incident, and no firefighter injuries were reported.
Due to the extent of the structural damage and the complexity of the incident, Knox City Fire Marshal Eddie Blackburn requested technical assistance from the Texas Department of Insurance-State Fire Marshal's Office to assist with the investigation. Following a comprehensive examination of the scene, witness interviews, and evaluation of the available physical evidence, investigators were able to identify the general area of origin; however, the cause of the fire has been officially classified as Undetermined.
An Undetermined fire cause classification means that, while investigators conducted a thorough and systematic examination of the scene, the available evidence was insufficient to identify a specific ignition source or determine the cause of the fire to a reasonable degree of fire investigative certainty.
This classification does not indicate that criminal activity occurred, nor does it attribute the fire to any specific accidental or intentional cause. Rather, it reflects that, after completing the investigative process, a definitive cause could not be established based on the available evidence.
The investigation into the Knox City Country Club fire has been concluded. Should additional credible information or evidence become available, the case may be reviewed.
The City of Knox City extends its sincere appreciation to the Knox City Volunteer Fire Department, Munday Volunteer Fire Department, Benjamin Volunteer Fire Department, Knox County Hospital District-EMS Medic 1 and Medic 2, the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the City of Knox City Public Works Department, and the Texas Department of Insurance-State Fire Marshal's Office for their professionalism, expertise, and coordinated response throughout this incident.
MEDIA CONTACT
Officer Eddie Blackburn
Fire Marshal
Emergency Management Coordinator
Public Information Officer
Knox City Police Department
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