Discarded Cigarette Caused 400-Acre Wildfire
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Discarded Cigarette Caused 400-Acre Wildfire
Texas Forest Service crews Friday were still at the scene of a 400-acre Central Texas wildfire that officials say was ignited by a discarded cigarette.
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BELL COUNTY (February 27, 2009)--Texas Forest Service crews Friday were still at the scene of a 400-acre wildfire in eastern Bell County that officials say was ignited by a discarded cigarette.

Earlier reports indicated the fire charred about 1,000 acres, but the Forest Service said late Thursday afternoon the area was closer to 400 acres.

The Forest Service said the fire was 85 percent contained.

Dozens of firefighters from more than a dozen Bell and Williamson County departments worked through the afternoon and into the early evening Thursday to contain the fire, which broke out just after 2 p.m. in the area of Barnes Road and FM 1123 east of Salado.

Crews remained at the scene throughout the night to watch for hot spots.

Firefighters were concerned that a cold front expected to move into the area later Friday could produce winds that could fan embers, reigniting the fire.

The Forest Service is warning residents of North, Central and South Texas that the fire danger will be heightened Saturday because of strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.

Tom Spencer, predictive services department head with TFS, said Saturday’s predicted critical weather conditions greatly increase wildfire danger in this area.

“Vegetation across Texas is very dry and susceptible to accidental wildfire starts because of the persistent dry weather pattern and entrenched drought,” said Tom Spencer, the head of the Forest Service’s predictive services department.

“These wildfires, if accidently started, represent a serious threat to citizens and their property.”

Since the start of the 2009 wildfire season on Jan. 22, the Forest Service has responded along with local departments to 262 wildfires that scorched a total of 42, 045 acres.

Local departments report another 1,670 fires that charred another 30,783 acres, the Forest Service said.

Wildfire Resources

Texas Emergency Management Situation Reports From The Governor's Division Of Emergency Management

Texas Wildfire Information And Reports From The Texas Forest Service

Home Protection Tips

Farm And Ranch Safety Tips

Latest Comments

Posted by: Bob Location: Waco on Mar 2, 2009 at 09:39 AM

There should be a fine imposed ANY time there is a burn ban for tossing a butt (above the normal litetering fine). If the fine is say $1 for every acre alreay burned maybe some of the careless smokers would think twice before tossing!
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Mar 2, 2009 at 08:37 AM

Paul - Its Cigarette not Sigarette. And they can easily trace the fire to its source and find the cause. By the way everyone. Go to the "dont mess with Texas" website. If you see a litterer, and that especially includes smokers, Get the information and report them. They wont get a ticket but they will get a letter in the mail. Personally I doubt if it will change their habits (once a moron, always a moron) but I laways feel better. I even reported an uncle and cousin.
Posted by: Mom Location: Here on Mar 2, 2009 at 06:39 AM

Didn't they do a study on a local news channel here about cigs not actually starting a grass fire? If a cig did start this one, than maybe it's those "new" fire safe ones that had to start making. Huge pieces of still lit ashes fall off of them. Just saying.
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