Big Tex Fire Today: State Fair of Texas Midway Blaze Damages Game Booths in Dallas, No Injuries Reported

A fire at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas damaged two Midway game booths early Tuesday, October 6, 2026, prompting a rapid response from Dallas Fire-Rescue. The blaze was extinguished before the fair opened, and officials reported no injuries. The incident drew attention because of its connection to the fair’s iconic Big Tex mascot, which was destroyed in a separate fire in 2012.

What Happened in the Big Tex Fire?

The fire broke out at approximately 7:08 a.m. on October 6 at the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park, Dallas. Firefighters arrived after reports of a blaze at a gaming booth on the Midway and encountered a large column of smoke.

The affected area included a balloon-pop game booth, with reports also describing damage to a nearby game stand. Fire crews quickly brought the flames under control, declaring the fire extinguished before 7:30 a.m.

The incident occurred before the fairgrounds opened to visitors, helping prevent injuries among fairgoers. However, the affected booths sustained significant damage, and firefighters worked to eliminate remaining hotspots among stuffed-animal prizes and other materials.

Cause of the State Fair of Texas Fire

Investigators determined that an electrical short caused the October 6 fire, according to reporting from KERA and CBS Texas. The blaze affected game booths on the Midway, including a balloon-pop stand and a neighboring duck pond stand.

The fire was extinguished quickly, but the damaged booths and prizes required cleanup. Fair officials established a perimeter around the affected area near the Big Tex Urban Farms Greenhouse to protect visitors while crews assessed the damage.

Did the Big Tex Mascot Catch Fire?

No. The October 6, 2026, incident involved Midway gaming booths, not the Big Tex mascot itself.

The concern is understandable because Big Tex was destroyed by an electrical fire on October 19, 2012. The iconic cowboy figure was rebuilt and returned to the State Fair of Texas in 2013.

Impact on State Fair of Texas Operations

The fire did not prevent the State Fair of Texas from opening as scheduled on October 6. The fair opened at 10 a.m., and the Midway was expected to open at 11 a.m., with a restricted perimeter around the damaged booths.

Visitors should follow posted signs and directions from fair staff and avoid entering any cordoned-off areas. The incident caused localized disruption rather than a full closure of the fairgrounds.

Key Facts About the Big Tex Fire

• Location: State Fair of Texas, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas.

• Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

• Time reported: Approximately 7:08 a.m.

• Fire department: Dallas Fire-Rescue.

• Cause: Electrical short, according to investigators.

• Damage: Two Midway game booths and prizes were damaged or destroyed.

• Injuries: No injuries were reported.

• Fair status: The event opened as scheduled, with the affected area restricted.

What Visitors Should Know

People planning to visit the State Fair of Texas should check official fair announcements for changes to individual attractions or access around the affected Midway area. The reported fire did not result in a full fairground closure, and the available reports do not indicate that Big Tex was damaged in this incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did the Big Tex fire happen?

The recent State Fair of Texas fire occurred on October 6, 2026, at approximately 7:08 a.m.

2. Where did the fire start?

The fire started at a gaming booth on the Midway at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.

3. What caused the fire?

Investigators determined that an electrical short caused the fire.

4. Were there any injuries?

No injuries were reported.

5. Was Big Tex damaged in the fire?

No. The 2026 fire affected Midway game booths. Big Tex was destroyed in a separate electrical fire in 2012 and rebuilt the following year.

6. Did the State Fair of Texas close?

No. The fair opened as scheduled on October 6, although the area around the damaged booths was restricted.

7. Is the Big Tex fire investigation complete?

The reported cause of the 2026 fire was an electrical short. Further details about repairs and the reopening of the affected booths should be confirmed through official fair updates.

Latest Update on the Big Tex Fire

The October 6 fire at the State Fair of Texas damaged two Midway game booths but caused no reported injuries. Investigators identified an electrical short as the cause, and the fair continued operating with a restricted area around the damaged stands.

The incident is distinct from the 2012 fire that destroyed the original Big Tex figure. Visitors should rely on official announcements for any further updates about repairs, attraction access, and fair operations.