Fire departments urge caution on Fourth of July

By Jacob Stock

The Cuero Record

As the summer heat starts to set in, DeWitt County is facing parched drought conditions that have not been seen in some time. With precipitation falling at a minimum, and grass fires recently on the rise, there are several things to be cautious about with the Fourth of July right around the corner. 

“I have been driving around the county, personally, and I have an eyewitness to how desperately dry and droughty it is and how easy it is for something innocent [to spark a fire],” noted Judge Daryl Fowler. 

Howard Gordon, News Center 25 meteorologist, gave some insight on precipitation levels and how thirsty things really are.

“The Crossroads for spring/Summer 2022 is very low on rain totals.  The area should have seen 10.68” of rain since April and we have only had 3.27”.  There has only been 6.10” of rain for the year (2022) where the average so far should be around 18.75” (2022).  So, the area is more than a foot below average in rainfall.”

As drought conditions intensify, last Friday, June 17, at approximately 3:15 p.m. the Cuero VFD along with several other agencies including Westhoff VFD, Thomaston VFD, Yoakum VFD, Texas Forest Service, Texas Department Emergency Management, DeWitt County Precinct One and Cuero EMS were dispatched to the 5000 block of FM 953 between the church and community center/dance hall in Lindenau.

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