Grass fire near Rosharon that threatened prison was started by mower

(1/05/06 - KTRK/ROSHARON, TX) (KTRK) -- There is an increasing threat for grass fires in the Houston area. We have proof of just how real that threat is.

A big grass fire in Rosharon sent a huge plume of smoke into the air and kept firefighters busy on Thursday, as they tried to keep the blaze from spreading.

Since late December, grass fires in Texas have killed three people, burned more than a quarter of a million acres and destroyed at least 250 homes. The Texas forest service says all the major fires are contained but firefighters are still monitoring flare-ups statewide.

FEMA has approved a request from Governor Rick Perry for financial assistance. The money is coming from the nation's disaster relief fund to aid firefighting efforts in the state.

Burn bans remain in effect in several counties in our area -- including Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller. According to Texas A&M, 196 Texas counties have burn bans as of Wednesday. Brazoria County just issued its burn ban on Wednesday. County commissioners will decide next week whether to extend it for 90 days.

Crews have gotten a fire under control that claimed about 120 acres in all. Acre after acre on fire -- the fuel was short stubble of grass and weeds, but it was enough to create a racing line of flames on this coastal prairie land. And it all began with a lawnmower.

Property owner Karen Binford told Eyewitness News, "(A neighbor) left the lawnmower -- off, but it was still hot -- and it caught the grass on fire around it. It doesn't take much, apparently."

There are only a few homes in the area and none were damaged. But there is plenty of livestock. Some was moved to safer pastures by nervous owners.

"I have horses and cats and chickens and all that," said property owner Donna Etheredge. "Just a regular farm."

On the other side of the smoke is a state prison. Inmates and workers dug a fire trench to keep the fire from spreading.

Volunteer firefighters from Alvin and Rosharon responded, finally stopping the spread of the blaze. But the grass fire highlights the danger that is looming throughout the area.

"(A tinderbox) -- that's exactly what it is," said Rick Perry with Brazoria County Emergency Operations. "They've been having this problem in near north Texas, central Texas, and now it's finally gotten to us. But hopefully we can control it."

Crews remained on the scene into the evening, concerned about the risk of a row of dry hay bales going up in flames as well.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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