NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas - A North Richland Hills firefighter was seriously injured Dec. 29 after a roof collapsed while crews were battling a structure fire, city officials said.
Firefighter Josh Hurlburt was inside the structure when the collapse occurred. Fellow firefighters quickly removed him from the building, and he was transported by ambulance to Parkland Hospital for treatment.
According to the North Richland Hills Fire Department, Hurlburt sustained full-thickness burns to the back of his neck, partial- and limited full-thickness burns to his shins, and multiple superficial burns to his wrist, back, and flank. He has undergone extensive burn care, including wound debridement, and is scheduled to receive a skin graft later this week, followed by a stay in the Burn Intensive Care Unit.
Officials said Hurlburt is awake, stable, and in good spirits, with his pain well controlled. His recovery is expected to be lengthy.
The department expressed gratitude for the rapid assistance provided by mutual aid partners, including the Haltom City, Bedford, Colleyville, Keller, Watauga, and Euless fire departments, which helped battle the two-alarm fire and provided coverage throughout the city. Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel were also on standby to assist upon Hurlburt’s arrival at Parkland Hospital.
Support has also come from the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters, along with Hurlburt’s family, church, coworkers, and the broader community.
Beyond his service, Hurlburt is a husband and father of five. To support him and his family during his recovery, the North Richland Hills Firefighter Association Benevolent Fund is raffling a 5-foot Tready Hook from T3 Fire Hoox and accepting donations through Jan. 10, 2026. If you would like to donate, you have the two options below:
- https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-benevolent-fund-2
- https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/nrhff-benevolent-funds-tool-raffle
Fire department officials said they remain committed to supporting Hurlburt and his family throughout his recovery.
