Staff Reports
What started as a 10 acre fire quickly spread to over 500 acres Wednesday afternoon as high winds across the County pushed it into nearby woods.
The fire resulted in Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur to issue both an emergency Disaster Declaration and a Burn Ban for the County.
“The Marion County Judge finds present circumstances in all or part of Marion County create a public hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning,” the order reads.
“All outdoor burning is prohibited in the county from the date of the entry of this Order, unless the restriction is terminated earlier based on a determination made by the Texas Forest Service or The Court.… Please note any outdoor cooking with charcoal grills will be above the ground, and or enclosed. Fire rings, ground fires, and any open grills at ground level are not allowed.“
The order is in place for 10 days unless extended by the Marion County Commissioners Court. A violation of the Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
Commissioners will decide whether to extend the Burn Ban and Disaster Declaration during Monday’s regular meeting.
The Disaster Declaration read:
“Whereas the County of Marion… has suffered widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property (or there is imminent threat of the same) resulting from wildfires, … the County Judge … has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of the people and to protect ore rehabilitate property.”
The declaration allows for Texas Department of Emergency Management to offer assistance as needed
The fire started south and east of the intersection of FM2208 and FM 3001 in southern Marion County. The cause has yet to be officially released.
It took around 9 hours to contain the fire according to Harrison County Fire Marshall Jamie McConnell. round midnight Wednesday, McConnell said “It took a helicopter, airplanes, bulldozers, multiple fire trucks from 6 different agencies, and countless firefighters and support personnel to battle a wild land fire that occurred in Marion County! After nine hours of firefighting and hundreds of acres later, our volunteers, some armed with only rakes, were able to contain the fire while protecting numerous houses and outbuildings. The dedication of our men and women in the fire service is immeasurable. We would also like to thank Serenity Ranch for supplying food and drinks for everyone!! It was well appreciated and needed!”
Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur issued both a Disaster Declaration and a Burn Ban for Marion County.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer, the fire was 90% contained as of 7:30a last Thursday.
Texas A&M Forest Service personnel responded to 14 new wildfires in Texas that burned 18,518 acres.
For information about active and recently contained wildfires, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer: https://tfswildfires.com/public/
Fire photos Courtesy Marion County Judge LaFleur and Fire Marshal McConnell