Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department Responds to Electrical Fire on FM 777

East Texas Banner Photojournalist, Rita Shipp, was on the scene to capture the rapid and effective response of BGVFD, as firefighters quickly tackled the blaze and prevented further damage.

Just after 3:30, Saturday afternoon, the Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department (BGVFD) swiftly responded to an electrical and ground cover fire on FM 777, just north of CR 138.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a downed electrical line and a spreading fire in dormant grass, fueled by tree debris. Crews acted quickly to contain the blaze, preventing further spread and extinguishing the flames before any structures were threatened.

BGVFD Chief James Gunter stated that the fire was likely caused when part of a dead tree fell onto a power line, breaking one phase of the Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative (JNEC) grid and bringing the live wire to the ground. The fallen line ignited the surrounding dry grass and debris.

Personnel from JNEC arrived within minutes to secure the downed line. While no injuries were reported and no structures sustained damage, several residents in the area will remain without power until repairs are completed.

For updates on power restoration, affected residents are encouraged to check for announcements from Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative or view the JNEC Outage Map.

BGVFD responded with Engine 11, Brush 11, and eight firefighters, who worked efficiently to bring the fire under control.

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp

Courtesy of BGVFD Chief James Gunter

Courtesy of BGVFD Chief James Gunter

Courtesy of ETB Photojournalist Rita Shipp