WEATHERFORD —
At least two families lost their homes Monday afternoon after a grass fire near Springtown spread quickly, consuming two houses and a barn.
However, firefighters were able to contain the fire, which started off of Carter Road near Farm-to-Market Road 51 around 4 p.m., to about 12 acres and saved several nearby structures.
“Unusually low humidity and higher winds definitely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire,” Parker County Fire Marshal Shawn Scott, said.
About 60 firefighters from at least eight departments, including Central, Poolville, Peaster, Springtown, La Junta, Hudson Oaks, Weatherford, and Silver Creek, responded, according to Scott. “These guys jumped on it hard and fast.”
“This one grew big in a hurry and involved both structures [quickly],” Scott said.
It wasn’t clear whether anyone was home at the time or how many were displaced.
However, firefighters were able make sure the buildings were clear before the fire claimed them.
Initial witness reports indicated the fire may have been accidental but it was too early to say much and he had not determined yet whether the fire started inside or outside, Scott said.
Due to the heat, lots of manpower was needed as firefighters needed to break more often, Scott said.
Parker County Red Cross were on hand to help the family, as well as help firefighters rehab with the Parker County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
The fire was under control by early evening but Scott said he expected firefighters to be on scene for quite some time finishing up.
Parker County was also expected to send a wildland strike force team back to Palo Pinto County Tuesday to help with the ongoing wildland fires in the neighboring county.
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