Two Killed in Gregg County Fire Identified

GREGG COUNTY – Fires in Gregg County have burned thousands of acres and are responsible for a couple of deaths. Community members are reacting after two bodies were found in a burned out mobile home on Gladewater’s Lincoln Springs Road. Killed was Valerie McBride, 20 and her 18-month old daughter K’loe Cheek. An autopsy has been ordered. Neighbor Debbie Johnston told KETK, “My heart does go out to them, because it’s one thing to lose stuff, but when you lose people, that’s terrible — that’s absolutely terrible. But this community is so strong. They’re tough…you can tell they’re all pulled together.” Gladewater Police also confirm evacuations in the following areas: Rosy Wady Road, Lincoln Springs Road, Old Hwy (Old Gladewater Road), Tennerville Road. The fire that has destroyed at least 7 homes, at last report, was 60% contained.

The Gregg County Sheriff’s Department has reported evacuations for the Liberty City area. A wildfire was affecting an area just south of Interstate-20, near the intersection of Goforth Road and Mt. Pisgah Road. According to KETK, officials were calling the blaze a “major fire,” and several homes were being threatened.