Wildfire southeast of Marlin starts because of tree on electrical line

• Firefighters from 14 agencies battle 75-acre wildfire southeast of Marlin.
• The fire burned mostly heavy timber and threatened homes east of State Highway 6.
• It was an estimated 40% contained by 6:30 p.m., a Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson said.

Tuesday, a 75-acre wildfire southeast of Marlin that threatened 10 to 15 people; and their homes was being fought by firefighters from fourteen agencies; four state planes, and local residents on the ground.

By 6:30 p.m., the fire was reportedly 40% contained; according to Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson; Emery Johnson.

According to Johnson over the phone, the fire mostly consumed heavy wood; and threatened residences east of State Highway 6 between County Road 220; and County Road 236. She claimed no significant structures had been lost; no one had been hurt, and only two outbuildings had been demolished.

The Marlin Volunteer Fire Department took over from Rosebud Volunteer Fire Department; just after 6 p.m. in a coordinated command with the forest service; according to Johnson. The Rosebud Volunteer Fire Department was the first to arrive.

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According to Johnson, three fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter carrying a water bucket; flew in a circular pattern while searching neighbouring lakes for water; to drop on the fire. She described how buckets of water were strategically placed; onto direct heat sources by the helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft; which also dropped water on the tree line. According to her, the plane was based at McGregor Executive Airport.

The paid and volunteer fire departments on the ground were supported; while working on the active perimeter by bulldozers from the forest service; and a strike squad of fire engines dispatched through the Texas Intrastate; Fire Mutual Aid System, she added.

According to Johnson, the fire was started when a tree on a power line ignited; an outbuilding. She claimed that the nearby grass; and trees caught fire.

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