CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Several fires caused by fireworks broke out on Padre Island during on Fourth of July.
First responders said most were small enough to be extinguished quickly, but one needed the help of at least three departments to put out.
Nueces County Emergency Services District #2 responded to the large fire with the help of Corpus Christi Fire Department and Port Aransas Fire Department.
Nueces County ESD #2 Fire Chief Weston Beseda said it was one of many calls they responded to throughout the last week.
"With the Fourth of July falling in the middle of the calendar week, you know, the, the Island and our territory has gotten increasingly busy as early as last Thursday, Friday," he said.
Beseda said a large fire in the dunes took more than an hour to put out. After getting to the scene on Padre Island around 10 p.m., he said it was extinguished by 11:20 p.m. using multiple brush trucks.
The area burned was at least 1-2 acres near the dunes at Beach Access Road 6.
"We were able to use the proper equipment and training that we've used in the past to handle the fire fairly quickly," he said.
Beseda said no structures were in danger since it was mostly grass. Firefighters moved quickly to put out the flames to prevent them from moving toward the road, avoiding a traffic hazard because of the smoke. He said the cause of the fire was reported as fireworks, but that was not what they were focused on while extinguishing it.
"How big is the fire, how fast is it spreading and is there anything in danger—that's normally what we focus on," Beseda said. "Once the fire is started, the cause is the smallest concern."
Despite dry vegetation being a risk for dune fires from fireworks, he said low winds Tuesday night helped them contain it. It also helped to keep their calls for firework-related fires lower than previous years. This year was about 4-5 calls. He said meeting in advance of the holiday to coordinate plans helped them respond to the fire on Tuesday.
"We're able to put the right equipment there quickly and, it just, it helps out tremendously that we can get the fire put out that fast," he said.
Nueces County ESD #2 has been busy leading into the 4th of July. Beseda said they have had at least 15 to 20 calls for various calls in the last 4 to 5 days. They are also keeping their guard up for any more fireworks-related fires that happen after the holiday.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Heat may be contributing factor in two elderly deaths in Beeville
- Man attacked, killed by pack of dogs in Rockport
- Young girl drowns at Aransas Pass Aquatic Center
- Wheel of Fortune Live! is coming to Corpus Christi
- Potentially dangerous bacteria found in Gulf of Mexico poses health risk to Coastal Bend community
- First stay cable to be installed on Harbor Bridge Project
- Here's when you can watch the 2023 solar eclipse over Corpus Christi
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.