mikemcguff.com: KHOU 11 reporter caught smoking at start of oil fire live shot

UPDATE at bottom with official Brad Woodard apology.

Readers have been asking me to find the video of a KHOU 11 reporter smoking during one of Friday's 5pm newscast live shots. Since I am lazy, luckily a kind reader helped me out and sent the link featured on YouTube.

Turns out it is KHOU 11 reporter Brad ~~Woodward~~ Woodard. Ironically he is reporting from an oil fire in Chambers County. Greg Hurst and Lucy Noland toss to ~~Woodward~~ Woodard who takes a puff from the cigarette, drops the cigarette, looks up and asks the photographer "Ready?," pauses a moment and begins the live shot.

This falls into the category of reporters are people too. They make mistakes sometimes in an incredibly stressful job.

By the way, KHOU 11 reports that fire was eventually extinguished.

UPDATE
I have to apologize to Brad Woodard for getting his name incorrect. In the rush to get this online for my readers, I referred to him as Woodward. This video has gone viral all over the nation now, but I believe I was one of the first to have it for my readers.

Also, an anonymous reader has sent in a link to the official KHOU 11 Facebook account which offers an apology from Mr. Woodard. Here it is:

From KHOU 11 News Brad Woodard:

Dear Viewers,

Some of you have raised concerns about my live report from Chambers County on Friday, June 24th. Due to a technical glitch, I was observed on camera smoking and extinguishing a cigarette, something I find both professionally and personally embarrassing. I was reporting from the scene of a fire at an abandoned “tank farm” formerly used to store petroleum products. The fire was well under control at the time of my report, and I was standing on concrete when I discarded my cigarette. I also made sure it was extinguished following my brief report.

Apparently, some of you are under the impression I was reporting from the scene of a wild fire. That was not the case. My bad habit aside, I’m very cognizant of the extreme drought conditions facing this state. I report on those conditions daily and care very deeply about those affected. That said, I sincerely apologize to those of you who were offended. We appreciate…I appreciate your viewership and your concerns.

Regards,

Brad Woodard