Erath County volunteers continue to fight Dodd Fire as heat continues

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Flash staff report
June 14, 2022

Monday afternoon Erath County first responders were dispatched to a brush fire on FM 1188 and County Road 124. Units on scene quickly called for more help as they fought the blaze throughout the night. As of 11:30 a.m. the Texas A&M Forest Service was reporting approximately 250 acres have burned and the fire is 20 percent contained.

“There is no treat to the public or residents at this time,” Erath County Emergency Management reported Tuesday morning. “While there is not a danger, please do not park on the side of the road along 1189 as it is a traffic hazard. Also, your vehicle could start a grass fire.”

There are crews from the Texas A&M Forest Service working alongside the units from the county volunteer fire departments. According to Erath County officials, units are expected to be in the area over the next few days fighting and containing the Dodd Fire.

And the Erath County Dodd Fire is only one of many fires across the state Monday. Fire crews are battling a fire in Bosque County, near Walnut Springs and Iredell that burned electric lines and caused power outages in Hamilton County and Hico. That fire, the Tower Fire in Bosque County, has burned 158 acres and is 90 percent contained as of 11:30 a.m. on June 14.

Another fire, this one in Palo Pinto County, has burned an estimated 70 acres and was 70 percent contained before 12 p.m. on Monday.

Photos by the Erath County Emergency Management Office

According to National Weather Service officials in Fort Worth, it looks like the next several few days will bring back the High Fire Danger warnings. And the heat doesn’t only affect the chance of a wildfire, but also increases the danger to first responders who are sent to fight these fires.

So, during these dangerous weather periods and the countywide burn ban, county officials ask residents to avoid any activity that could spark a wildfire. This includes mowing pastures, welding/cutting (without a spotter and water source), burning trash or brush, pulling a trailer with safety chains dragging, discarding cigarettes out of your car window, etc.