Grass Fire Burns In Parker County Near Weatherford

PARKER COUNTY, TX — This fire occurred Dec. 13, 2017. To read about the Monday, Jan. 22 fire, click here. A large grass fire in Parker County is reported to have engulfed an approximate 200 acres as of Wednesday afternoon. Heavy smoke is visible in the area as firefighters work to quell the blaze.

The fire is near 300 Walden Road, south of Weatherford. The Texas A&M Forest Service reports the fire is 5 percent contained, and homes are threatened. Fire departments are said to be making good progress combating the blaze.

Phillip Truitt, the public information officer for the Texas A&M Forest Service, told Patch the fire has spread to encompass an approximate 200 acres and is exhibiting 'moderate fire behavior,' which means the fire is being pushed by wind at a brisk pace. He said the flames are not moving too quickly, and that firefighters are still able to combat the blaze.

The Forest Service hasn't announced what percentage of the fire is contained at this time, but said responders are "making progress."

Parker County issued an emergency burn ban Tuesday due to dry conditions and a high fuel load. The cause of this fire is not yet known.

Truitt said a combination of wind and dry fuels like dead grass and brush allows the fire to be more destructive.

The Parker County Fire Marshall did not immediately respond to a direct request for more information.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

File photo: Firefighters walk through smoke after extinguishing a grass fire during a wildfire training drill June 27, 2006 in Dublin, California. Firefighters in Parker County, Texas, are working Wednesday to extinguish a grass fire that spread to an approximate 200 acres. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)