Sparks from a tractor shedder led to two acres burning in the 7400 block of Friar Road Monday, Nov. 10, about 11:20 a.m.
The fire started within hours of the DeWitt County Commissioners Court extending the ongoing burn due to high-risk fire conditions. No violations led to the fire, but it highlights the current dangerous conditions.
Firefighters from Cuero Fire Department and Thomaston and Cuero Volunteer Fire Departments battles a 2-acre blaze on Friar Road Monday, Nov. 10, about 11:20 a.m. Photo courtesy of Cuero Fire Department
Cuero Fire Department and Thomaston and Cuero Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the fire. The fire was slow burning, despite ongoing dry, high-risk conditions, according to the fire report.
“With the quicker response from the onduty personnel, we were able to stop the fire spreading to only 2 acres,” a firefighter said on the CFD Facebook page. “ Our shared mission, whether as paid or volunteer, is to protect the community.”
A resident of the property made the emergency call to the fire department and directed firefighters to the blaze upon their arrival.
DeWitt County is currently in a burn ban and will remain so for at least another three months because of dry conditions. The Commissioners Court extended the current ban that is set to expire this week for 90 days on Monday, Nov. 10.
The order prohibits igniting or causing any outdoor burning of combustible or vegetative material. Violators face fines of up to $500 and possible ordered restitution for fire department responses.
Certain exceptions apply, including burning by certified prescribed burn managers, agricultural burning related to planting or harvesting and burnings in covered containers with openings of a quarter-inch or smaller.
County officials emphasize that the purpose of the extended burn ban is to reduce the risk of dangerous, uncontrolled wildfires during the dry season.
The burn ban could be lifted earlier if conditions improves and the county judge determines it is safe.
