Intoxicated driver sparks numerous grass fires
Photo by Nick Gibbons
Multiple grass fires sparked by a suspected drunk driver burned more than 7 acres along FM-47 Aug. 4, a day after a tractor set off a fire than burned more than 10 acres.
Fire fighters from departments around the area had their hands full Aug. 4, tangling with a series of grass fires along FM-47 from the Stonepoint Church campus to just north of Interstate 20 set off by a suspected drunk driver.
According to reports, an as yet unidentified driver set out just before 11 a.m. traveling from Wills Point to a location south of the city. At one point of the journey, the vehicle suffered a blowout but the driver continued unabated. As the vehicle traveled down FM-47 towards Interstate 20, the metal rim driving on asphalt kicked up sparks starting numerous fires that burned grass, hay bales and fencing.
The Wills Point Fire Department responded to the incident with every vehicle in its fleet while other units from Rolling Oaks, Edgewood, Whitton, Fruitvale, South Van Zandt and the Texas Forestry Service also arrived to help contain the scene. Property owners and passersby also stopped along the roadway to help put out fires.
According to the Texas Forestry Services website, the fire consumed approximately 7.3 acres along FM-47. There were no reports of structures damaged or lost in the fires.
The fire along FM-47 came on the heels of another major fire call that occurred along County Road 3202 after a man’s tractor sparked a fire. Units from Wills Point, Edgewood and Canton all responded to the scene.
Local fire departments have continually stressed the chief culprit in several grass fires has been malfunctioning or misused machinery or equipment. Fire officials noted that those working outside, especially those using equipment or machinery, be hyper vigilant about their work space and surroundings.
Due to the dry conditions and increased fire risk, county commissioners placed Van Zandt County under a 30-day burn ban back on July 25.
