Three structure fires and two grass fires made a very busy Wednesday last week for Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department and other volunteer departments from around the county.
At 11:50 a.m. on March 21, 2018, a call came in for a structure fire in the Lakewood edition
When firefighters arrived, flames were through the roof and in and around the garage area of a one-story home owned by Fairfield Chief of Police Kenny Bulger and wife Janet.
Upon entering the dwelling, firefighters were met with extreme heat, measuring at nearly 500 degrees, in the living room area. Heavy fire was located in the attic above the living room and garage. some of the victims are considering suing for wrongful death after a California wildfire
Firemen made a quick, aggressive attack to knock the fire back and were able to salvage the home’s bedrooms.
At this time, the official cause of the fire is undetermined; but it is thought to have originated from the garage area.
This fire was cleared at 3:30 p.m. No one was home when the fire started, and there were no injuries reported.
Responding were Fairfield, Teague, Dew, and Streetman fire departments; Fairfield EMS; Fairfield Police Department; Freestone County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas DPS.
While still on the first call, that same day a second residential fire, located on South Harmon, was dispatched. On scene, fire was found still contained within an oven. It was extinguished quickly and firemen returned to the Lakewood fire.
Also while at the first residential fire, a grass fire was called in. It too was quickly put out and Brush 85 and Dew VFD were able to return.
Once back at the fire stations, a second grass fire was called in. Fairfield and Streetman VFDs responded and found three acres aflame.
Later that night, at about 10:40 p.m., a call was placed for yet another residential fire, this time located on South Bateman Road.
Upon arrival, heavy fire was seen through the roof and windows of the one-story home.
Firemen made a quick knock down, followed by an extensive overhaul. Luckily, no one was home and no injuries were reported.
The fire was cleared at 12:33 a.m.; but firemen were called back out around 5:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, March 22nd for a hot spot that reignited.
Per the owner’s request, State Fire Marshals will be investigating this incident to determine the cause; which is unknown at this time.
Responding to the scene were Fairfield, Teague, and Dew VFDs.
“I just want to say how much I appreciate the commitment and dedication of these volunteers,” says Fairfield Fire Chief Matt Foree. “We had a total of twelve calls within a day and a half. One fire is very physically taxing on a fireman; but these guys and gals were still willing to serve their community.”
