CNN PRODUCER NOTE     iReporter Haley Breedlove of Dallas, Texas, shared this photo of the larger-than-life 'Big Tex' statue on fire at the Texas State Fair today. Fair officials confirmed that the blaze started in a motor located in Tex’s neck, and suspected that it was due to an electical malfunction.

Flames consumed the towering figure in size 70 boots and 75-gallon hat at the fairgrounds in Dallas on Friday. Within 10 minutes, he was gone. Haley described Big Tex as 'a childhood memory,' adding that, 'I hope they rebuild it.' Meanwhile, iReporter Kellie Tipshaw shot video of smoke pouring out as the iconic statue went up in flames.

Big Tex made his debut 60 years ago, welcoming visitors to the Texas State Fair with a booming voice. For many Texans, he had become as much of an institution as the Alamo. You can read more about the fire on CNN's This Just In blog.

Have you visited Big Tex before? Did you witness the fire? Share your photos and stories with CNN.
- katie, CNN iReport producer