Large Grass Fire Shuts Down Angelina County Roadway

A large brush fire that started this morning has caused the closure of an Angelina County road.

According to a release from the City of Lufkin, Farm-to-Market Road 842 is shut down from the intersection of State Highway 103 east to Moffett Road due to a grass fire that is now contained.

The fire was estimated at 7-10 acres, based on aerial measurements of the fire ground.

Lufkin Fire Department is on the scene along with Texas Forest Service and various volunteer agencies from around the county. They are monitoring the area for possible hot spots and flare-ups, as well as making an effort to extinguish the blaze entirely.

Though the blaze got within several feet of houses along State Highway 103 East, the fire was quickly contained and no structures were affected.  At this time, investigators are uncertain as to what started the fire, however, some sort of human activity is suspected.

Much of Deep East Texas is categorized in either severe drought or extreme drought conditions. Officials with the City of Lufkin and the Texas A&M Forest Service continue to stress the importance of using extreme safety during this time.

Please be aware and practice the following safety measures:

• Do not discard your cigarettes out of your vehicle window
• Make sure that trailer chains are taut and not dragging along the roadway
• Do not park your vehicle in grassy areas
• Mow or bush hog during the early morning hours, when there may be a little moisture on the grass

Remember that all of the Pineywoods is under a burn ban.