Wildfire — Cass, Texas

2011-09-02 to 2011-09-13 · Cass, Texas

Wider weather episode

Ambient temperatures in excess of 100 degrees across Northeast Texas, very low relative humidity values, extreme drought conditions and strong northeasterly winds in association with Tropical Storm Lee making landfall in south central Louisiana were all the ingredients needed for critical wildfire danger across the region. A wildfire started between Avinger and Jefferson, Texas and burned nearly 41,000 acres of timberland and grassland before it was declared contained on September 13th. A total of 91 structures were burned which included homes, outbuildings and vehicles. Hundreds of firefighters were called in to battle the 12 day wildfire which began when a limb hit a powerline causing sparks. Schools were closed for a few days in southern Cass and Marion Counties. There was one firefighter that was burned while battling the wildfire. This wildfire, which became known as the Bear Creek Fire, involved 17 different agencies including the Texas Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife and fire departments from Florida, South Carolina and Alabama. The Texas Forest Service used helicopter drops from nearby Lake O The Pines to help battle the fire. A command center was set up to coordinate fire fighting efforts at the Pruitt Lake Missionary Baptist Church on Hwy. 155 in Avinger as well as the Pinecrest Baptist on Hwy. 59 in Linden, Texas. More than 8,000 cases of sports drinks and 10,000 cases of water were provided for all the fire fighters during the event.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 338814. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.