A series of grass fires with multiple points of origin led the Rockdale VFD and four other volunteer organizations busy Monday afternoon off FM 908.
Named the “Brushy Creek Fire” by the Texas Forest Service—which sent a water-drop helicopter, a crew and a bulldozer—the initial blaze was reported at 3:38 p.m.
Rockdale VFD Fire Chief Ward Roddam said cause of the blazes was determined to be “an 18-wheeler without a trailer dragging chains down the roadside and creating sparks” in the 100-plus degree heat.
Fires were reported from FM 908/County road 305 all the way to the northern end of 908 at FM 486 south of San Gabriel.
Roddam said the RVFD recognized mutual aid was needed “to prevent this fire from becoming a potential disaster.”
Thorndale, Milano, Minerva and Cameron VFDs assisted, along with the Milam County Sheriff’s Department and an AMR crew.
Roddam said the truck was not identified but asked anyone with a description to call authorities.
Two Rockdale VFD volunteers were treated for heat stress by the AMR crew.
Firefighters battled the blaze for over two hours. Rockdale VFD was called back for a rekindle at one location at 8:48 p.m.
Roddam expressed appreciation to all responding agencies and admiration for the RVFD’s effort.
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