Dallas

PHOTOS: See when Big Tex caught fire on Oct. 19, 2012

Fire begins to engulf the Big Tex displayed at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. The iconic structure was destroyed Friday when flames engulfed his 52-foot-tall frame.
Fire begins to engulf the Big Tex displayed at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. The iconic structure was destroyed Friday when flames engulfed his 52-foot-tall frame. John McKibben AP

READ MORE

The 2023 State Fair of Texas

Howdy, folks! This year’s State Fair of Texas runs from Sept. 29-Oct.22, 2023. Here’s everything you need to know, from parking to food to all things Big Tex. Enjoy!

Expand All

It’s been 10 years since the State Fair of Texas’ Big Tex caught on fire, melting the North Texas icon down to its metal frame.

All that was left of Big Tex, besides the frame, was his arms, after the icon of the State Fair of Texas burned in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012, in Dallas, Texas
All that was left of Big Tex, besides the frame, was his arms, after the icon of the State Fair of Texas burned in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012, in Dallas, Texas Kye R. Lee Dallas Morning News/MCT

Big Tex, a 52-foot-tall cowboy, has greeted State Fair visitors for 70 years.

A Dallas fire official takes photographs of what used to be the head of Big Tex as the remains are prepared to be hauled away after the fire at the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012.
A Dallas fire official takes photographs of what used to be the head of Big Tex as the remains are prepared to be hauled away after the fire at the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012. Louis DeLuca Dallas Morning News/MCT

On Oct. 19, 2012, during the last week of the fair and his 60th anniversary run, an electrical short in the cowboy’s right boot caused Big Tex to catch on fire.

Dallas firefighters put out the last hot spots after Big Tex caught fire at the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012
Dallas firefighters put out the last hot spots after Big Tex caught fire at the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012 Nathan Hunsinger Nathan Hunsinger/Dallas Morning News/MCT

By 2013, Big Tex was back in his usual place at Fair Park in Dallas.

The remains of Big Tex after a fire took him down to the frame at the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012
The remains of Big Tex after a fire took him down to the frame at the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park, on Friday, October 19, 2012 Nathan Hunsinger Dallas Morning News/MCT

This story was originally published October 19, 2022 at 10:32 AM.

Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Profile Image of Megan Cardona
Megan Cardona
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Megan Cardona was a service journalism reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram until 2023. Reach our news team at tips@star-telegram.com.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER

The 2023 State Fair of Texas

Howdy, folks! This year’s State Fair of Texas runs from Sept. 29-Oct.22, 2023. Here’s everything you need to know, from parking to food to all things Big Tex. Enjoy!

Back to Story