NUMEROUS FIRE DEPARTMENTS BATTLE 300-ACRE FIRE NEAR COLUMBUS

  

Around 30 fire departments from several counties have endured a multi-day effort to fight a grass fire spreading hundreds of acres in Colorado County.

The fire began Monday morning in the area of County Road 103 and Highway 71, south of Columbus.  Initial reports stated the fire was 50-60 acres in size, but it grew to 300 acres by Monday night.

Firefighters continued to battle the blaze through Wednesday.  According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire had grown to 326 acres but was 90 percent contained as of 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Firefighters and first responders from Colorado, Austin, Fayette, Fort Bend, Lavaca and Wharton counties have provided assistance, along with the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The Columbus Volunteer Fire Department responded around 5 p.m. Tuesday to another large grass fire on FM 806.  The fire, which the department said was caused by lightning, was contained at 55 acres with no injuries or loss of structures.