Two major fires in Grimes County on Tuesday evening once again has county officials urging citizen’s to follow the burn ban.
Emergency Management Coordinator David Lilly spoke at Wednesday’s meeting of Commissioner’s Court about both fires. One of them was a large fire ff FM 1774, where Anderson VFD and Plantersville VFD were able to save a home, and barn.
The other fire was one near Bedias, that torched about 60 acres, including a home and barn. The homeowners were able to safely escape, with help of Iola VFD, Richards VFD, North Zulch VFD, and the Madisonville Fire Department.
Lilly said one of the fires was caused by illegally burning brush, and the other is suspected to be a similar instance.
“These are great illustrations of why we have a burn ban in place. Yesterday, I went on the Texas Forest Service website, and printed off a burn ban map. Counties in red have a burn ban…almost the whole state is red, it is the most red I have seen on there since I have been here,” said Lilly.
He pleaded with folks to follow the rules in place.
“Again, I am making the point for the public to know: it is very important you follow the burn ban. There is very good reason fr it. The fire to the east in Walker County is a perfect example, over 1,800 acres, so far, that have been destroyed.”
A burn ban is in effect until further notice in Grimes County, and yo could be subject to fines of $500 for any violations.