Fires destroys building, vehicles

SMITH COUNTY – A grass fire burned an out building, a chicken coop and several vehicles at a residence near Lindale in Smith County on Friday. According to officials and our news partner KETK, firefighters were first sent to County Road 448 early Friday afternoon for a reported grass fire threatening buildings. The Van Fire Department, the Lindale Fire Department, the Mineola Fire Department and the Grand Saline Fire Department all responded to the scene with Smith County Emergency Services District 2.

Firefighters at the scene stopped the fire’s progression and started mopping up any spot fires before any residences were damaged. One family lost an out building, several nearby vehicles and a chicken coop. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Officials said Smith County isn’t currently under a burn ban but residents should take caution and avoid burning because of wind gusts and low relative humidity. The Texas A&M Forest Service said they’ve responded to eight fires from across East Texas on Friday.