Smoke billows from Spring grass fire after it reignites

  

SPRING, TX (KTRK) -- A grass fire that burned in north Harris County Friday night rekindled Saturday, sending Spring firefighters back to the scene.

The grass fire started near Spring, just north of Bush Intercontinental Airport. Firefighters were able to contain the flames Saturday morning, but say winds stirred up the hot spots and smoldering areas.

The flames appear to have rekindled near Gloria Marshall Elementary School. However, authorities don't believe the school campus is in jeopardy.

According to the Department of Forestry, the fire first started around 7:45pm Friday, burning in some trees and brush. It then burned near the school and just on the outskirts of the Breckenridge Forest subdivision.

"It got all the way up to the top of the trees, then midway," said nearby resident Mike Samora. "When they went back there with the Caterpillars, they got it contained a little bit and then it started right back up again."

Firefighters brought in trucks and bulldozers and eventually got the fire surrounded. In all, the fire has burned about 100 acres, according to the Department of Forestry.

This is the third grass fire we have had in the area recently, and firefighters are hoping it serves as a warning of the ongoing drought conditions in our area.

"It seems like it's starting out that way. It was kind of like it was a couple years ago -- a lot of grass fires, conditions were just dry and we're kind of seeing that again this year. We're hoping we'll get some rain," said Lt. Dean Hensley with the Harris Co Fire Marshal's Office.

Structures and people were not in danger this time, but homeowners from Karen Moon at the dog park to the Ingersol family at the playground know how quickly that could change.

"There are so many trails here, too. Any of this could catch at any second and take the whole park down. We come here so often I'd hate to see that happen," resident Amanda Ingersol said.

It's a scenario Moon has even played through her head, especially after the wildfires of 2011.

"There was thousands of acres lost. That could easily happen right here in Spring," Moon said.

She has carrying cases ready for Winnie and her other pets, knowing an evacuation might have to happen in minutes.

"You'll save your animals first but important documents, maybe jewelry, and if you've heirlooms that will go in the car too," Moon said.
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