Lufkin officials urge residents to report squatters after fires

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK)– Lufkin city officials are asking residents to help keep squatters away from abandoned properties near their homes, as fires have allegedly been started by homeless people recently.

According to Lufkin Fire Marshal Ozzie Jarman, since 2025, 12 structure fires have been reported at vacant or abandoned homes and it is believed that the fires were started by homeless individuals squatting on the property.

Officials said that the majority of the fires occurred in the middle of the night or early in the morning. It was also reported that 25% of the structure fires that have taken place in Lufkin since 2025 occurred at vacant homes.

“These fires are unpredictable and extremely dangerous,” Lufkin Police Chief Travis Brazil said. “It is only a matter of time before a firefighter, occupant, or member of the public is seriously injured or killed in one of these fires.”

Lufkin residents who see individuals squatting in homes are being asked to call 911 so officers can remove them from the home before a fire may start.

“We want to save the homes, lives and the possibility of nearby homes burning,” Brazil said. “Our police officers will take care of the individuals before a fire can be started. Any assistance from our residents is appreciated.”