WILD NEW YEAR’S DAY FOR WASHINGTON CO. FIREFIGHTERS
Washington County fire departments had a hectic start to the new year.
calls for Washington County firefighters on New
Year's Day.
(courtesy Prairie Hill Volunteer Fire Dept.)
Firefighters responded to numerous fires throughout the day on Thursday, which required the work of all county fire departments as well as outside agencies.
Among the largest fires of the day was the “Esparza” fire on FM 1948 in the Yegua Creek Park area, measuring approximately 31 acres. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire was 90 percent contained as of late Thursday night.
Another large fire occurred in the Zionsville area off of FM 2679, where units were dispatched to an approximately 31-acre grass fire with 55 round bales.
Yegua Creek Park area.
(courtesy Salem Volunteer Fire Dept.)
Additional grass fires were called in north of Brenham near the intersection of Strangmeier Road and North Berlin Road, and along FM 2621. Officials said around 13 acres and 3.5 acres burned, respectively.
Firefighters also responded to a report of a structure fire at a home on Brown College Lane in Washington, but the homeowner had already put out the fire with a garden hose. Units performed overhaul and checked for extensions through the residence.
Fire officials warn that today’s (Friday) conditions are expected to bring high fire danger again, with low humidity and strong winds.