Suspect in custody for starting wildfire, Polk Co. authorities say
POLK COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) - Polk County fire crews and the Texas A&M Forest Service have fully-contained a 14-acre wildfire reportedly started by illegal burning.
According to Polk County Emergency Management officials, firefighters responded Monday afternoon to a tract of land near Pine Grove Road and Farm-to-Market Road 62, between Corrigan and Chester.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said deputies found a homeowner trying to put out a fire that had spread from a burn barrel.
Deputies then began warning others living nearby of the spreading fire, a news release stated.
The flames destroyed a house and a travel trailer, officials said. No injuries were reported.
Sam Houston Electric Co-op had cut power to the area as firefighters worked to put out the flames. Power was restored to all customers by early Tuesday, according to the utility provider.
The homeowner, whose name was not released, was arrested for Illegal Burning (In Violation of Burn Ban) and booked into the Polk County Jail.
The sheriff’s office said the case is still under investigation and additional charges are possible.
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