Tuesday's Internet Edition, July 08, 2008.
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PHOTO BY MAGGIE BEASLEY |
The fire department worked quickly with extreme caution as the fire threatened several structures including barns, sheds and homes. Mickie Milburn with LVFD confirmed that flames encroached within yards of a home but that all structures were spared any damage. Joanie Burkett said, “They [LVFD] had the fire under control very quickly. Grass conditions are very deceiving. Everything’s so dry. People need to be aware of how dry it really is.” Three brush trucks were dispatched to Sunday’s incident.
A second trash fire on Monday morning quickly got out of hand by high winds. The fire was near the home of Linda McDowell Wyatt on Private Road 8028, off FM 3403 within a mile of Hwy 21 near Dime Box. Acres of pastureland were scorched in just a few minutes as firefighters from Lexington, Dime Box and Giddings were soon on location. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that firefighters from Fedor and the Forest Service were also dispatched. The wind continued to be an extreme factor in containing the flames as the fire jumped the private road searing dozens of acres. The wind-accelerated flames burned on properties owned by Mary Richter and Ed Chapline. However, both Lexington and Dime Box fire departments stated that no structures were lost or damaged.
Several grass fires were reported in surrounding areas. Spokespersons from both LVFD and DBVFD advised of the dry grass conditions in the area, along with the seasonal high winds. Residents should use extreme caution if having to do any outdoor burning.