On Thanksgiving morning, around 2:15 a.m., multiple first-responder agencies answered the call to a structure fire in rural DeWitt County, originating from an outdoor firepit.
According to the DWC Office of Emergency Management, agencies involved in the response included DeWitt County Dispatch Center, De-Witt County Sheriffs Office, Yorktown Volunteer Fire Department, Nordheim Volunteer Fire Department, Cuero Fire Volunteer Fire Department, Goliad Volunteer Fire Depart- ment, Weesatche Volunteer Fire Department, Ander-Weser Volunteer Fire Department, Berclair Volunteer Fire Department, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT Cuero), American Electric Power (AEP), American Red Cross, and DeWitt County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
“It was truly impressive to see these teams working together so seamlessly to protect the structure and minimize the impact of the fire,” Billy Jordan, director of the DWC Office of Emergency Management, said in their Facebook post.
According to the county OEM, the cause of the fire is believed to have originated from an outdoor recreational pit.
“We strongly urge everyone to be cautious when burning outdoors, as even small fires can quickly grow and require an enormous response. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks that fires pose and the importance of safety precautions,” Jordan said.
DeWitt County has an active Burn Ban in order. On October 14th, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott issued a Disaster Declaration for 147 counties in Texas, De-Witt County was included in this declaration.
“We request that no one engage in outdoor burning at this time, and pray for rain!” Jordan said.
