This photo of the brush fire burning across Polk and Trinity Counties was sent to us by a viewer. If you see news happening, email a photo or video to us at news@abc13.com. 
HUNTSVILLE, TX (KTRK) -- A massive wildfire burning in Polk and Trinity Counties has forced several people from their homes. The fire started around noon Friday and is consuming parts of the Davy Crockett Forest just northeast of Huntsville in Apple Springs. Fire crews from both counties are battling the blaze. It has burned at least 14,000 acres, according to the Trinity County Sheriff's Office.
At last check, officials with the Texas Forest Service said it was only 20 percent contained.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the Trevat, Nigton and Helmic communities.
A temporary shelter has been set up for those residents at a Groveton High School.
Two homes and six trailers have been destroyed by the fire. So far, there are no reports of any injuries.
It's not yet clear what caused this wildfire, but investigators suspect a wheel bearing on an 18-wheeler produced a spark that caused the blaze.
The fire is being called the "Bearing Fire" and is reportedly one of the largest wildfires ever in East Texas, according to the National Forest Service.
We'll keep following this story and bring you the latest updates on Eyewitness News and abc13.com.
If you can see the fire and can snap cell phone videos or photos without putting yourself in harm's way, please email them to us at news@abc13.com or upload them on our iWitness Reports page.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »local
No comments:
Post a Comment