Firefighters remain on the scene of a large forest fire that erupted this afternoon on Morgan Cemetery Drive near Morgan Lane. This location is just east of the cemetery. When Splendora Fire Department arrived on the scene they immediately called for help from Caney Creek and the Texas Forest Service. With heavy winds out of the south and the fire creating its own wind and quickly moving toward the road it was feared it could jump Morgan Cemetery and get into the very heavily wooded.
The fire determined to be 14 acres in size burned through a large area that had been clear cut several years ago. During the clear cutting process some downed trees were left along with tops. Most of the area was replanted with pine saplings. With the downed trees and tops it made it almost impossible for fire crews to get to the seat of the fire.
The cause of the blaze is unknown as there are no homes directly in line with the fire and it appears it could have started deeper in. There is always a chance it could have been like yesterdays lightning sparked fire on Crockett Martin Road.
With fire equipment on the roadway along with hoses and the danger of the fire crossing the road, Precinct 4 Deputies closed Morgan Cemetery Road for several hours. At times the smoke was so intense that visibility was reduced to fifty feet.
Additional firefighters were brought on the scene also to relieve the exhausted crews who fought the fire in gear in the near 100 degree temperature and the intense heat of the fire. A dozer operator was overcome by smoke and transported by MCHD.
Once again remember these firefighters on your next grocery store trip and add some water or Gatorade to your order. Then on your way home drop it at your local fire station.
Residents in the area will most likely be smelling smoke for the next several days. The fire is contained inside a perimeter but has not been extinguished.
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