A severe weather broadcast in northwest Arkansas turned into an unusual emergency when a fire broke out inside a television studio while a meteorologist was tracking active tornado warnings. The incident happened Saturday evening, June 6, 2026, at 5NEWS (KFSM-TV) in Johnson, Arkansas, where meteorologist Noah Simmons was providing live coverage of dangerous weather moving through the region.
At the time, two tornado warnings remained active, and Simmons chose to stay on the air even as smoke began filling the studio, local news outlet 5News Online reported. Video from the broadcast showed Simmons holding part of his shirt over his face while continuing to deliver weather updates. He informed viewers in real time that a fire had broken out in the studio, but the station still needed to track the tornado threats.
According to Simmons, he noticed signs that something was wrong shortly after the broadcast began. In a later livestream, he said the studio lights flickered before he smelled smoke. A few seconds later, he spotted a studio light that had caught fire.
Simmons alerted his colleagues, but kept going
Despite the growing smoke inside the studio, Simmons continued broadcasting because of the severe weather unfolding outside. He later said breathing became more difficult, but he believed viewers needed up-to-date information while tornado warnings remained in effect. Simmons said he quickly determined that he was not in immediate danger.
Simmons said he briefly stepped away from the camera to alert colleagues to the emergency. Producer Trevor Branham responded and used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The haze visible on camera largely came from the extinguisher rather than from the fire itself, Simmons later explained.
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The tornado threats he monitored Saturday night produced reports of damage in western Arkansas. Tornado warnings eventually expired as the storms moved out of the area. Local reports described damage, including downed trees and damage to a barn roof, and officials continued assessing impacts after the storms passed.
Arkansas studio fire: No one injured
The studio fire also ended without serious injuries. Simmons later reported minor throat irritation and watery eyes, which he attributed to the extinguisher discharge and smoke exposure. No employees suffered major injuries.
As for the cause of the fire, reports indicate that a studio light ignited during the live broadcast. Officials have not publicly released additional information about what caused the light to catch fire.
5NEWS President and General Manager Van Comer praised both Simmons and Branham after the incident. According to the New York Post, Comer said Simmons remained calm during a critical weather situation while Branham acted quickly to protect employees and extinguish the fire.
