VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — Fire departments from Van Zandt and Kaufman County tackled a large grass fire which destroyed approximately 50 acres and four outbuildings, according to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — Fire departments from Van Zandt and Kaufman County tackled a large grass fire which destroyed approximately 50 acres and four outbuildings, according to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen.
Firefighters from Wills Point, Edgewood, Point, South Tawakoni, Ables Springs, East Tawakoni, and West Tawakoni responded to the fire earlier today in an area off Farm-to-Market (FM) 751 north of Wills Point, Texas.
Allen credits the actions of the firefighters in saving 10 homes which were threatened by the fire.
“The fire consumed about 50 acres of open land,” stated Allen on Facebook. “However, a total of 10 homes were saved by the actions of our volunteer firefighters.”
“Even though the fire burned a large amount of acreage, everyone will have a home to go home to,” he said.
Firefighters utilized a plow from the sheriff’s office to reach the fire in a heavily wooded section of the fire and a private citizen also used his tractor and disc to provide a fire break, according to Allen. A barrel of chemicals also exploded in the blaze. The contents were determined to be non-toxic and no injuries were reported in the explosion.
The Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was accidental having spread from a fire in an approved burn barrel. The wind carried an ember and set a nearby field on fire, stated Allen.
“Citizens need to be careful while burning,” Allen said. “Conditions are dry and a burn ban will again be discussed next week.”
Champion EMS provided support to the firefighters and treated property owner. The American Red Cross provided rehab.