Heavy smoke caused zero visibility on FM3350 while area volunteer firefighters battled the fast moving fire that occurred last Wednesday afternoon. J GARCIA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS Just a few days after a Burn Ban was reinstated in Atascosa County, the threat of fire had residents scurrying with water hoses to protect their property off of FM 3350 (Old Pearsall Road) last Wednesday, August 15.

According to Atascosa County Fire Marshal Chuck Garris, the fire started around 2:30 p.m. when a dump truck hit a power line. It caused the line to split and the arc of electricity started the fire on the southeast corner of the field near the airport. Brisk southern winds then caused the fire to spread quickly northwest.

Flames then jumped FM3350 near Pulliam & Campbell Lane and residents along the road were being evacuated in the dense smoke.

Area volunteer firefighters from Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Poteet, Charlotte, Christine and Leming all worked to contain and extinguish the fire. No structures were affected, but firemen were called out again around 9 p.m., midnight and the next day to take care of some “hot spots”.

Garris reminds property owners to plow around their perimeter to create fire breaks and to keep fields trimmed to alleviate the risk of fire jumping over roads.

Even after the rains the county received on Sunday, the Moisture Index is still at a level of concern and the Burn Ban is still in effect.

Seminar this Saturday

Garris also is extending an invitation to a seminar that will be held this Saturday at 1 p.m. at the fire station on Hunt Street. Representatives from the Bastrop area will give pointers of reducing wildfire risk. The event is free, but seating is limited.