One man is dead and his wife and several deputies injured after an overnight fire in Bowie County. Bowie County Sheriff James Prince says his deputies responded to a call in the 2100 block of Trexler Road in the Redwater community around 1:30 March 9. When they arrived at the home it fully engulfed.

The sheriff said deputies observed a male on the ground just outside the home and 68-year-old Dewey Melton was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members who lived nearby told the deputies that Melton's wife was still inside the burning structure.

"Deputies Michelle Carrier and Kenny McMillan both went into the home several times looking for the occupant but were driven out by the smoke and flames. Eventually Deputy McMillan was able to crawl into the home, while Deputy Carrier held a light for him to see by," the sheriff said.

"McMillan was able to pull Loy Melton out of the burning structure. She was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and is being treated today. Both deputies suffered smoke inhalation and were hospitalized overnight and released earlier this morning."

Fire departments from Redwater, Maud, and Liberty-Eylau responded to the scene to put out the blaze. Sheriff Prince has asked  the State Fire Marshal's office to investigate as soon as the structure cools to the point where it can be safely entered.

Sheriff Prince said he was "very proud of the two deputy's actions" and added that he "considers them heroes for risking their lives in an attempt to save Melton's life."

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