Area fire crews battled both flames and extreme heat while responding to a large grass fire just north of Banquete. According to Michael Clack, the fire began around 3 p.m. Wednesday on Cindy Ln. after initial reports of smoke in the area.
When firefighters arrived, they discovered an abandoned house engulfed in flames and a grass fire threatening nearby homes. Crews also had to navigate dangerous conditions including downed power lines that were actively sparking. Firefighters prioritized containing the grass fire to prevent it from spreading to neighboring properties before addressing the house fire. Crews remained on scene working to extinguish hot spots. The extreme heat forced firefighters to take frequent breaks to avoid heat-related illness. Officials have not yet determined whether the house fire ignited the grass fire or if the grass fire spread to the structure.
