Multiple Blazes Battled in East Texas

EAST TEXAS — Firefighters across East Texas continued battling several grass fires. Firefighters spent several hours Friday afternoon and evening battling a large grass fire near Overton, another east of Kilgore, and one along Interstate 20 near Hallsville, officials reported.

At the same time, Longview firefighters were battling a blaze that consumed four automobiles and a home on the city’s south side late Friday, even as several grass fires that ravaged hundreds of acres across the area continue to burn. A house at 402 Ridgecrest Drive was fully engulfed shortly before 10 p.m., said Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. Earlier blazes in the same area burned four cars.

Several fire departments and the Texas Forestry Service were battling a large fire near Rusk County CR 1115 between Texas 31 and 42 near Overton. James Copeland, who lives on CR 1115, said the fire started on his property when fire shot out of a hay baler being used by a baling crew.

Elderville/Lakeport volunteer firefighters and Kilgore Fire Department firefighters were battling a blaze on about five acres on fire near FM 2204 and FM 2276. One constable said 200 to 300 acres had been burned. Officials were still on the scene of both fires late Friday and did not have complete information on the extent of the damage. Officials said the fire had spread deep into the woods and was climbing trees while firefighters were working to protect structures.

In Harrison County along Interstate 20, officials reported another grass fire was being fought late Friday afternoon.

Franklin County Officials are on the scene of a fire burning near Winnsboro and Lake Cypress Springs. Numerous departments and a helicopter are responding.