UPDATE 1/12/2017 @ 2047: The Sealy Fire Department released the following press release:
Sealy Fire Department responded to the report of a grass fire off of Cannon Hill Rd. at 12:55 hrs. on 01/12/17. Prior to arrival SFD received an updated report from dispatch stating that the fire was getting close to houses off of Angel Cove Ln. San Felipe VFD was added to the incident and responded with 2 apparatus along with ACEMS Medic 2 for fire standby. Upon arrival SFD had approximately 10 acres on fire rapidly spreading with 12 mph winds with gust up to 20mph. Bellville and Wallis VFD were then requested to provide additional assistance. Bellville VFD responded with 4 apparatus and Wallis with 1 apparatus. Air support was provided by Sherriff Jack Brandes, in order to assist Fire Command with an overhead perspective of the incident. The fire was brought under control at 13:41 hrs. with units remaining on scene until 15:03 hrs. ensuring a fire safe area. The fire was started by a rancher whom was burning dead livestock. The fire crews contained the fire to 16.5 acres, no structures were damaged, and no injuries reported.
With the recent freeze a lot of vegetation in the area is now dead. Therefore when citizens choose to do a controlled burn they need to ensure that the weather conditions are safe for burning and that a safety perimeter clearing is established to assist with fire control. We are not under a burn ban but caution should be used when burning outdoors. For Safety Burning Practices visit our web site at www.SealyFire.com or if you have any questions concerning burning call 979-885-2222.
A large brush-fire that happened between Sealy and Wallis off Angel Cove Lane (off of Orange Hill Road, off of Hwy 36) required the services of several area fire departments today. Sealy, Bellville, Wallis and San Felipe Fire Departments as well as Austin County EMS were on scene. The brush-fire was contained but, it is unknown, right now, how the blaze started, how much area was affected, or if anyone was hurt. We have calls in to the Sealy Fire Department and the Austin County Sheriff’s Office and will update this story as more details become available.
[We apologize for the shaky video, we were without our tripod today.]