Neighbors ‘Pretty Upset’ About Toxic Fire Near Cozy Corner Tuesday Night

La Grange Volunteer Fire Department put out a toxic fire near Cozy Corner Tuesday night, July 7.

“Over the past three years, we go out there probably once or twice a year, but the fires have never been the magnitude it was that night,” Menefee said. “There was toxic smoke. You could tell by the color it was burning.”

Menefee said his department got a call reporting black smoke in Cozy Corner around 8:30 p.m. Firefighters found about three acres of discarded building supplies that had been set on fire. The property was located at 5000 FM 3233. No one was there when firefighters arrived.

“They were dumping building materials, PVC, pallets, all kinds of stuff,” Menefee said.

The fire department called for help from the Texas Forest Service and Joe Rogers Dozer Service, who brought heavy equipment to push the burning material into a pile so the fire wouldn’t spread. La Grange VFD responded with six fire trucks and 15 personnel. They fought the fire until around 12:45 a.m.

Menefee said he plans to speak with officials at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about potential air quality issues related to the fire.

“The neighbors spoke with some of the firemen, and they’re pretty upset about it,” Menefee said. “I’m going to see if I can get them some help.”