The San Saba VFD received a call for a grass fire at 3:30 p.m Sunday near County Road 232 east of Cotton Belt Road. Sheriff's deputies were first on the scene and watched the quickly growing fire jump the county road and move south before fire crews could arrive. Other responding departments included the Elm Grove VFD, Richland Springs VFD, Rochelle VFD, and Winchell VFD.
Strong winds advanced the fire in several areas which made it difficult for crews to establish a containment line. High temperatures and low humidity further hampered efforts, and fire crew leaders had seen these rapidlydeveloping scenarios before: the Texas Forest Service (TFS) was called to assist while efforts were made to save homes and outbuildings from the blaze. Shifting winds steered the fire toward the west, threatening more homes and property, as crews worked to slow the advance of the fire.
The TFS dispatched several bulldozers from Brownwood and McGregor, along with three air tankers and a helicopter to stop the advance of the flames. Ground crews eventually gained the upper hand, and the fire was mostly contained at dusk. Monitoring of hot spots continued into Monday morning.
TFS officials were quick to compliment the skill of the responding departments, stating that they know that when our VFD leaders request their help, it's a serious situation and they respond rapidly.
No homes or other structures were damaged, and no one was injured.