This afternoon, June 24, 2011, the Houston Fire Department was dispatched to a grass fire just after 12:30 p.m. The fire originated in area between Old Galveston Road and the Gulf Freeway just north of Clear Lake City Blvd. Eight HFD units responded to the fire which was tapped out just before 2 p.m. with no reported injuries.
Approximately, three to four acres of grass and some trees burned. There were no structures involved. After the fire was extinguished, the firefighters stayed on scene to thoroughly wet down area. Although the exact cause of the fire was not determined, cigarette butts were found near burn area.
Carelessly discarded cigarettes is a cause of accidental fires which increase during times of drought. These can smolder for hours and should be completely doused with water before discarding them. They should be discarded in a safe manner and not by being thrown out a window or tossing them on the ground.
Outdoor fires may also be caused by dragging chains on vehicles pulling trailers, car fires and power tools such as welders and chainsaws, which emit sparks.