CORRECTION: Initial eyewitness reports at the fire in Zephyr have said the fire was caused by a man burning trash. Unconfirmed information from Texas Forestry Officials have explained the fire may have started as an electrical issue at a residence which burned through the yard, igniting an aerosol can in a trash barrel which then sent sparks upwards to the surrounding area.
UPDATE: At approximately 5:20 p.m. a “Code Red” was issued to evacuate all of Zephyr.
Written by Amanda Coers – According to eyewitnesses a large grassfire was sparked after burning trash blew out of control, engulfing a shed before spreading to several acres, jumping railroad tracks, and threatening the Orica USA plant on CR 259 in Zephyr. The plant is said to house “wholesale commercial explosives.” Brown County is currently under a burn ban due to extreme dry conditions and record high temperatures.
In Zephyr, the Orica plant is a dynamite storage facility, which also stores ammonium nitrate. The Zephyr Volunteer Fire Department reportedly works with the facility often to run numerous drills on site.
On Monday afternoon several fires in different locations kept firefighters rushing to areas across Brown County. Fires in Owens, on North Highway 279, on FM 2125, and in Zephyr were at one point happening within a two-hour time period, stretching resources. The smaller fires were quickly handled, allowing firefighters to turn their attention to the dangerous fire spreading in Zephyr.
The fire jumped the tracks and spread to an area along CR 261. The flames surrounded the Orica plant. Residences in the area were evacuated due to the proximity of the fire and the explosives.
The Texas Forestry Service was contacted for immediate support and emergency drops to help contain the fire. As the fire drew closer to the Orica facility, traffic going into Zephyr on Highway 183 was diverted. At approximately 5:20 p.m. a “Code Red” was issued to evacuate all of Zephyr. Emergency responders dealt with at least one irate resident holding a shotgun and refusing to leave his cattle. According to reports the individual may have fired a shot at a person encouraging him to leave the area.
At 6:49 p.m. all crews were ordered to evacuate from the Orica plant to at least one mile away.
UPDATE: 8:18 p.m. Traffic on 183 is expected to be opened. Forestry Service should be making drops soon. Crews are working on CR 259 and CR 261 to protect houses and structures and contain the fire. No update on the Orica plant at this time.
This is an active fire and updates will be provided when available.
Photos by Ben Cox.
