UPDATE: Fires in Jasper County Contained, Officials Urge Caution and Warn of Dangerous Conditions

Firefighters in Jasper County responded to multiple fires throughout the day, each requiring significant effort to contain as dry conditions and wind fueled rapid fire spread.

Photos Courtesy of East Texas Banner Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Fire crews in Jasper County have successfully contained four separate fires that broke out across the area today, most believed to have started as controlled burns that quickly became out of control. While no injuries have been reported and minimal structural damage has occurred, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant despite recent rainfall. Jasper County is not currently under a Burn Ban. However, officials suggest avoiding outdoor burning as dry conditions and wind continue to post a serious fire risk.

Shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday, the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported pasture fire at the intersection of FM 1013 West and FM 1005 in Mount Union. The fire spread quickly as the wind swept through dry vegetation, ultimately burning approximately five acres before crews were able to contain it. “The wind got into the dry vegetation, causing the fire to spread rapidly,” said Tri-Community VFD Public Information Officer Paul Rutledge.

As crews in Mount Union worked to secure the scene around 1:30 p.m., Kirbyville Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) received a call about a brush fire near FM 82 West near County Road 401, near the Airport. The caller was unsure if the fire was a controlled burn but reported that it was spreading rapidly toward their home. KVFD firefighters successfully contained nearly all of the fire by 2:50 p.m., with only one remaining area requiring additional resources. The Texas A&M Forest Service provided assistance in that section using their bulldozer. KVFD Fire Chief Greg Ellis confirmed that the fire had started as a controlled burn but quickly got out of hand.

“Just because we’ve had some rain doesn’t mean the grass won’t burn,” Chief Ellis warned, emphasizing the continued fire risk. East Texas Banner later confirmed from The Texas A&M Forest Service that this fire burned approximately 5.7 acres.

Shortly after containing the fire, at around 3:25 p.m., KVFD was dispatched to another fire in a roadside ditch near County Road 566 and County Road 569. Kirbyville VFD responded with Brush Truck Unit 5 and Tanker/Pumper Unit 6, using approximately 300 gallons of water to control the blaze. The fire extended about 50 yards along the road and reached approximately 5 yards into the woods. Six KVFD volunteers assisted in the response, and the fire was fully controlled and extinguished within 15 minutes of arrival.

The fourth and largest fire of the day ignited just under an hour later, at 4:16 p.m., when KVFD was called to a grass fire in the 500 block of County Road 594 that was reportedly spreading toward a barn. Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Department also responded to assist with 2 brush trucks and Med truck with firefighting capability. Both Volunteer Fire Departments worked together to bring the fire under control by 5:30 p.m. The Texas A&M Forest Service arrived shortly after both departments contained the fire. East Texas Banner confirmed Saturday evening from The Texas A&M Forest Service that the fire had burned approximately 10.2 acres.

East Texas Banner spoke with several residents today who witnessed the fires. They described how quickly the flames spread and shared concerns about the risk to nearby homes and structures. One resident stating “It was scary seeing how fast it spread.” The firefighters did an incredible job keeping it from reaching homes.”

With all the fires now contained, local fire departments are shifting their focus to fire prevention, reminding residents that even small outdoor burns can escalate quickly, stating “Even if you think you have a fire under control, it can take just one gust of wind to change everything. Right now, it’s best to hold off on any burning until conditions improve.”