Crime & Safety

Strong Winds Spark Several Grass Fires Throughout Round Rock

Fire officials blamed many of the fires on discarded cigarettes thrown out while not property extinguished.

ROUND ROCK, TX — Strong wind gusts throughout Central Texas sparked several small grass fires throughout Round Rock on Thursday.

Throughout Central Texas, strong winds with gusts at times approaching 45 miles per hour stoked grass fires largely blamed on improperly extinguished discarded cigarettes. Fire officials told the Austin American-Statesman there had been 10 small fires, including one at a Kentucky Fried Chicken location at the Round Rock West shopping center on U.S. 79.

Fire officials urged residents to dial 911 if seeing a fired, and not try to extinguish it themselves.

Find out what's happening in Round Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

said people should dial 9-1-1 immediately when they see a small fire and that people should not attempt to put it out themselves.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Central Texas until midnight on Thursday, with gusts expected to reach up to 45 miles per hour. Climate experts said the high winds could potentially cause tree branches to become loose and make driving difficult, urging people to be cautious.

Find out what's happening in Round Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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