Worst wildfire in East Texas history possibly caused by lightning

THE CHRON:

The cause of the worst wildfire in East Texas history that burned across 19,000 acres and destroyed 83 homes is listed as "undetermined" - although a investigative report speculates that it mostly likely was triggered by smoldering underground roots or stumps from a lightning strike 10 days earlier in the same vicinity.

According to a report on the fire obtained by the Houston Chronicle, Assistant Montgomery County Fire Marshal Scott Burlin said he reviewed digital photos of the fire scene, reports on the lightning fire and examined the burned terrain before issuing his final report on the 16-day blaze that began Sept. 5 in the woods near the western edge of the Crown Ranch subdivision.

While stating the fire appeared to be accidental, he stressed it originated in the same general area as a fire caused by a lightning strike 10 days earlier on the far western edge of the Crown Ranch subdivision. The only access to the subdivision is off FM 1486 in Montgomery County, but the fire actually began on the subdivision's western edge which lies in Grimes County, he said.

"It is well documented that burning stumps and tree roots can and do smolder in the 'black areas' for several weeks after a forest fire if that fire is not fully extinguished," he said in the report. "This scenario cannot be ruled out and is most likely the cause of the Tri-County fire on Sept. 5."

The fire ravaged acres in Montgomery, Waller and Grimes counties with the most destruction occurring in Waller where 75 homes were listed as totally destroyed.

According to the report, Burlin said he examined several deer camps that were in the vicinity of the fire and might have possibly had camp fires or burn piles that could have initiated the blaze.

However, he said he found "no credible information or evidence" that any of the camps had contributed to the fire.

He also concluded that the drought conditions and high winds caused it to quickly rage and made it difficult to bring under control.

As a result, he said dozens of firefighters from as far away as Florida and California assisted in battling the blaze.

He said assistance came from area volunteers as well as the Texas Forest Service, U.S. Forestry Service and included water drops from giant planes.