HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas — Officials believe sparks from a moving vehicle caused a fire that burned down almost 100 acres between Eustace and Athens Wednesday evening.
Henderson County Fire Marshal Shane Renberg said the wildfire started just before 5 p.m. and he was told it was moving fast and was nearing structures. Because the flames, FM 2709 had to be shut down at one point.
One residence was evacuated and officials opened an evacuation area was opened in the Eustace High School Gym parking lot. No structures were ultimately burned, Renberg said.
Within about two and a half hours, drones from the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department and Texas Forest Service verified 95% of the fire was contained, Renberg said.
Based on initial information, Renberg said he believes the fire was started by sparks coming off a vehicle.
"It is really dry out there right now and it isn't taking much to start a fire," he said.
Firefighters from the Texas Fire Service and Baxter Volunteer Fire Department had to use bulldozers to cut firebreaks around the blaze because the flames reached an inaccessible area of woods.
He added he expects the burned area will be smoldering for days.
The following fire departments responded to the wildfire: Athens, Payne Springs, Eustace, North 19, South Van Zandt, Murchison, Baxter, Mabank, Southside, Trinidad, Brownsboro, and Log Cabin.