Posts in category: Brush/Grass Fires

After an almost four-hour-long battle, firefighters have left the scene of a large grass fire on FM 344, just west of Bullard. The fire stretched from the roadway into a large pasture, where it made its way close to multiple structures. One structure was able to be saved, but a second was not.

While firefighters were battling the main head of the fire, satellite fires were located on CR 173 in a field less than a half-mile from FM 344. Also, two separate grass fire calls were dispatched during this time in the surrounding area of Bullard.

Today’s fire danger level is classified as “Very High.” The combination of wind, temperature, humidity, and lack of rain cause grass and other vegetation to dry out, resulting in prime fuel for a fire. There have been multiple grass fires throughout the county; please refrain from burning outdoors if possible.

The source of today’s fire is unknown, and the Smith County Fire Marshals Office is investigating. No injuries were reported from the three fires.

SCESD2’s Bullard Fire, Flint-Gresham Fire, Noonday Fire, Whitehouse Fire, Troup Fire, Battalion 1, Captain 1, Chief 3, Chief 4, along with UT EMS, Texas Forest Service, Lake Palestine East VFD (Cherokee County), Bullard Police, DPS, and the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the fire.

Just after 2:00 PM on Wednesday, a Chapel Hill Fire Department member discovered a large trash fire with an RV in danger. After advising dispatch of the flames, a box alarm was dispatched, sending Chapel Hill Fire, Jackson Heights Fire, and Winona Fire to the scene.

Upon arrival, fire apparatus were strategically staged in the narrow driveway to get hose lines to the blaze. Firefighters gained entry into the RV, checking for further extensions from the interior, while others worked to knock down the flames with both foam and water.

A brush fire originating from the central trash pile had spread into a nearby wood line adding more potential exposures for crews on scene to battle. Smith County ESD2 brought its own “Plow 1” to the scene to create a plow line around the fire, acting as a barrier from other brush. Plow 1 did the heavy lifting, pushing over trees, and moving trash and debris away from the moving fire. Firefighters in wildland gear used hand tools to aid in the critical work done by Plow 1.

The trash pile consisted of different objects, a large portion being vehicle tires. Smith County Firefighters gained control of the fire after about an hour. The smoke from the fire could be seen all over Tyler, grabbing the attention of many. A Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy from the environmental division, Deputies from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office, Precinct 4 Constables, and UT EMS also responded to the scene.

At 2:05 PM on July 12th, 2022, Lindale Fire was dispatched to a grass fire in a hay meadow just west of the intersection of CR 492 and CR 35, also known as Lavender Rd. When units arrived, they found a fast-moving fire, that was about 3 acres in size, with structures and vehicles endangered. Shortly after, Red Springs Fire and Dixie Fire Departments were dispatched to this location for more trucks and firefighters.  

Some firefighters battled the dozens of hay bales across the meadow with gusting wind, while others tried to protect the structures and vehicles on the property. A Deputy from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene where they issued a citation to the person who started a controlled burn during a burn ban, that ultimately got out of control. In total 6 brush trucks, 4 engines, 1 tanker, 1 dozer, and 3 other support/command units were at the scene.  

As of 6:30M, there were still units at this location, roughly 15 acres have been burned.

Just before 5PM, Jackson Heights VFD received a call for public service on a grass fire. Upon arrival, Jackson VFD found two acres on fire and asked for a full alarm. Chapel Hill and Winona VFD were then paged out to head to CR 3158 to assist. A dozer from Red Springs VFD was later requested.

Firefighters battled the fire line in the Texas heat and in the end, an estimated 20 acres were burned. A control time for the grass fire was called at 8:13PM and all units are now clear of the scene.