The Texas Forest (TFS) Service, along with more than 15 fire departments in the area and several air units, has been battling a massive wildfire in Grimes County since June 19.

The fire burned 5,280 acres in the areas of County Road 362, County Road 302, County Road 305 and FM 1774. More than 1,800 homes and businesses were evacuated in an area that spanned 36,000 acres, according to TFS Public Information Officer Justice Jones.

Unfortunately, 30 residential buildings and 35 other buildings were destroyed in the fire. In addition, seven homes and six commercial buildings were damaged by the fire.

Pictured, the Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell driving through areas that were swept by the fire.

As of June 24 the fire was 95 percent contained and all mandatory evacuations for residents had been lifted.

Jones said that TFS feels “fairly comfortable” about letting residents back into the area. However, there are still hazards, such as trees still having the potential to fall, power outages and an increased amount of vehicular traffic.

The traffic will result from utility services coming into the area to make repairs and the continued traffic of fire equipment pursuing the containment area and attempting to locate potential “hot spots,” Jones said.

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell reported that the fire began June 19 from a barbeque grill. Sowell had a signed statement from the person who allegedly used the grill. He said he did not anticipate any charges being filed as the matter did not seem intentional.

Less than 10 percent of the blaze was contained on June 20 when the fire had reached 5,000 acres. At that point, Grimes County Judge Betty Shifflett ordered a mandatory evacuation.

In a press conference on June 20, Idaho Fire Department Division Supervisor Gene Phillips said that the wildfire was moving rapidly due to variable winds and humidity. The fire was on the ground and crowning across the tops of trees, Phillips said. The constant wind change was causing the fire to move northeast and northwest. The wildfire was jumping a quarter of a mile to a half mile at a time, Phillips added.

TFS Public Information Officer Lexi Maxwell reported that the winds were 20 mph with gusts of winds being 30 to 40 mph.

“It’s a very dangerous environment,” Phillips said.

One resident recalled walking outside to a wall of fire.

“My husband saw it across the street and we could hear crackling. We just grabbed our animals and left,” Kathy Ranels said. “I am thankful to get out with the clothes on my back, but I don’t know what to expect now.”

Several air units assisted the firefighters, including two Blackhawk helicopters, one Marine Heavy Helicopter and an air attack plane. By June 22 rain finally arrived, helping firefighters contain much of the fire. Along with the rain came low winds eliminating the crowning on the tops of the trees.

“The rain is much more effective (than air units),” TFS Public Information Officer Anne Jeffery said. “We really need people on the ground.”

By June 23, residents were able to return home after an evaluation of the area’s safety.

Jones said holding the evacuation until Thursday (June 23) was in the best interest of the residents.

“We understand their (residents) frustration, but we want to make sure they are acutely aware that the decisions made were in their best interest,” he said.

Jones added that although it has rained and the fire is 95 percent contained, residents should not “let their guard down.”

“There is still a drought and it is still fire season,” he added.

Jones added that this is the worst fire in the East Texas “Piney Woods” region in history.

“This fire was caused by carelessness, as are 90 percent of wildfires,” he said. “Even the smallest spark can turn into a catastrophic fire.”

Jones said that while residents return home, he encourages other residents not to “drive through just to look.”

“We want to respect those who have lost their homes and are seeing them for the first time,” he said.

TFS Public Information Officer Lee Bentley said many homes were able to be saved.

The American Red Cross has set up an evacuee site at Navasota High School for residents who need assistance. In addition, the Society of Samaritans has set up a donation center at 38207 FM 1774 in Magnolia for fire victims and families in need.

Currently, 228 out of the 254 Texas counties are under a burn ban. Since fire season started on Nov. 15, 2010, the Texas Forest Service and area fire departments have responded to 12,779 fires that have burned 3,251,365 acres.

			two Blackhawk helicopters, one Marine Heavy Helicopter and an air attack plane. Photo by Cheryl Smith ]">
	The Grimes County fire took over 5,280 acres last week. Several homes were destroyed as well as much of the forest areas. The Texas Forest Service said that this is the worst fire in East Texas history in terms of damage to homes. Photo by Cheryl Smith ]">

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