Wortham Fire was dispatched to a small grass fire at 3:27 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2022 located on Freestone County Road 1081.
Upon arrival G73 found a rapidly spreading fire that had jumped the roadway and was moving through an open field. The current dry conditions lead to an almost uncontrollable fire spread.
Mutual aid was requested from several local departments, as well as the Texas A&M Forestry Service.
The fire was controlled by 6:22 p.m. and all units finally cleared the scene after almost 7 hours of firefighting operations.
Extreme drought, hot temperatures, low humidity levels, and a moderate wind created conditions very favorable for rapid fire growth.
This fire burned a total of 64 acres, several vehicles, and 3 structures along with numerous bales of hay.
Departments on scene include Streetman Volunteer Fire Department, Teague Volunteer Fire Department, Kirvin Volunteer Fire Department, City of Mexia Fire Department and EMS, Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, Richland Fire Departent, Retreat Fire Department, Angus Fire Department, and Southern Oaks Volunteer Fire Department.
Agencies responding also included Freestone County Office of Emergency Management, Limestone Medical Center EMS, Wortham Police Department, Freestone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Forestry Service.
Clyde Ridge Freestone County Commissioner – Pct. 4 was also on scene with a heavy equipment, fuel and water.
“Without that equipment we may not have been able to stop the fire where we did,” stated Wortham VFS.
Thanks goes out to the citizens, city workers, and city council members for helping with water, Gatorade and other supplies. And, thanks to The Old Gin restaurant of Wortham for providing sandwiches to all the volunteers on scene.
(Courtesy Photos)
