Grass Fire Believed to be Caused by Discarded Cigarette

EARLY, TX — Firefighters were fighting a fierce grass fire on Friday afternoon five miles east of Early off U.S. Hwy 377. The fire came within 10 feet of some homes, and sent smoke high into the skies of the surrounding areas.

The blaze devoured about 74 to 100 acres of land. The fire prompted multiple evacuations. It was estimated that 50 firefighters were called out to help get this fire under control and out.

Brownwood Fire Marshal Buddy Preston told the Brownwood Bulletin that the only structure lost was a shed, and there were no injuries.

It is believed the fire was started from a discarded cigarette.

The fire is believed to have started on County Road 348 and the fire jumped the railroad tracks and Hwy 37.

Preston said, at one point firefighters had to abandon the fight against the flames to set up and protect the houses that were threatened. Firefighters began winning the battle with the fire after Forest Service brought in bulldozers to cut fire lines. The fire was contained around 7:30 p.m.

Preston said he could not say for certain that a cigarette is what caused the fire, but a property owner told him that he set his cigarette on the ground to get a drink, and heard a pop. Preston said there are no other likely causes.