Fire Burns 25 Acres, Causes Evacuations

A large brush fire forced 50 people to evacuate Saturday afternoon in Carmine and Ledbetter, burning almost 25 acres before it was contained.

Ledbetter Fire Chief Kevin Woelfel said first responders were dispatched to Round Top Road in Carmine at 1:21 p.m. Volunteers from Ledbetter Carmine, and Round Top fire departments responded to the fire as did firefighters from the Texas Forest Service.

“The fire was contained at approximately 4 p.m., although firefighters remained on the scene to prevent hot spots from flaring up. At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown,” Craig Moreau, Fayette County Emergency Management Chief said. “The evacuation order has been lifted as well.”

Also responding to the scene was Precinct 2 Commissioner Luke Sternadel and his crew, Fayette County Emergency Medical Services, Washington County EMS Aviation division and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Fayette County Emergency Management.

“We are especially thankful crews were able to keep the fire away from several homes that were threatened. The continued cooperation and partnerships between multiple departments is paramount,” Moreau said.