Homeowner says house went up in flames on Thanksgiving after setting up smoker for turkey

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A southeast Houston homeowner says a Thanksgiving meal went wrong after his home caught fire Thursday morning.

SkyEye flew over the scene shortly after 10 a.m. as firefighters worked to put out the fire along Winding Creek Way. Flames and heavy smoke could be seen billowing from the home.

According to the homeowner, Tom Zakes, he had just set up the smoker to cook the turkey. That's when he says he turned around, and the next thing he saw was fire.

"I put some corn on the cob on there. I was getting ready to put the turkey on, and I turn around, and I'm like, 'Why does it feel so hot?' And I turn around, and I see the flames. The fire had fallen out of the smoker through ...the damage to it," Zakes told Eyewitness News.

Fire officials told ABC13 that one person was taken to the hospital for burn injuries.

"We got everybody out. I had a house guest in the back, he's at the hospital right now, they say he's got first and second-degree burns," Zakes said.

When asked if he's making a turkey next year, he said most likely not and that he'd probably opt for going to a restaurant next year.

Authorities said no firefighters were injured in the fire, which they say left damage to the entire back part of the home.

Zakes told ABC13 he's thankful to be alive.

"If you've got home life, got your family, got your health, material things can always be replaced," Zakes said.

He also said his smoker was worn out and plans to use the experience as a learning lesson.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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