Monday afternoon controlled burn jumped, burning 20 acres threatening 8 homes

At 1:58 Monday afternoon, Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a woods fire on CR 099 at CR 102.

According to BG Fire Chief James Gunter, arriving units found that a controlled burn of a clear cut plantation had escaped containment with approximately 20 acres burning.

Gunter said, "Suppression efforts of the fire were initiated as it approached and attempted to blow across CR 102. The fire was slowed and thought to be under control. Shortly thereafter, winds picked up from the south to approximately 30mph from a nearby thunderstorm, allowing the fire to regain intensity, again threatening to cross CR 102 and CR 103".

There were approximately 8 homes total as exposure risks.

Gunter said that additional resources were requested from the Angelina River Fire And Rescue and Texas A&M Forest Service.

A heavy rain started falling which helped control the fire. All units were released at approximately 4pm.

Gunter added, "Our thanks to the Angelina River VFD, Texas A&M Forest Service, Jasper County Sheriff's Office, and the landowner for the assistance".

BGVFD responded with Brush 11, Tanker 11, and 4 firefighters.

Credit Beech Grove VFD Chief James Gunter