A fire severely damaged a ring-toss game and another game booth on the State Fair of Texas Midway early Tuesday morning, hours before the fairgrounds opened to visitors.
Dallas Fire-Rescue crews were dispatched to the fire shortly before 7:10 a.m. on October 6. Large plumes of black smoke were visible when firefighters arrived at the gaming stands, CBS Texas reported. In a statement on social media, the State Fair of Texas said that a fire broke out at two game booths on the Midway but did not specify which game booths were involved.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze about 15 minutes after arriving, but the ring-toss stand sustained severe damage, according to CBS. Crews then worked to extinguish hot spots in stuffed animals and other prizes at the stand.
The State Fair of Texas was not open when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported, per DFR. The blaze was caused by an electrical short, investigators said.
The State Fair of Texas expressed thanks for the quick response by Dallas Fire-Rescue. Fair organizers said the gates will open as scheduled on Tuesday at 10 a.m., and the Midway will open as scheduled at 11 a.m. A perimeter has been established around the area affected by the fire as the cleanup work continues.
During the 2012 State Fair, faulty wiring sparked an electrical fire that burned the iconic Big Tex down to his metal skeleton. The 52-foot talking mascot was rehabbed and returned to service the following year.
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs from September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park. The Dallas Express previously reported that the 24-day event includes new and returning attractions, Midway entertainment, and nearly 100 musical acts.
Provided by Dallas Express
