BRAZOS, Texas (Sept. 14, 2025) A fast-moving grass fire threatened homes along South FM 129 in Brazos on Sunday afternoon, prompting a multi-alarm response from Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District No. 1 and mutual aid partners from Hood and Parker counties.
The fire was first reported at 1:32 p.m. after a 911 caller alerted dispatchers. Medic 2-13, already in the area, confirmed a rapidly growing fire fueled by dry vegetation and gusting winds. County Fire Chief Danny Watkins declared a working alarm, bringing in additional brush trucks from Mineral Wells.
When Watkins arrived at 1:46 p.m., flames were advancing toward nearby homes. Command was established and the incident was upgraded to “Grass Fire with Structures Threatened.” Additional resources, including engines and tenders from Hood County and Lone Camp Volunteer Fire Department, were dispatched.
As weather conditions drove the fire into heavier fuels, the incident escalated to a second and later third alarm. Units from across the county joined the fight, including:
- Santo Volunteer Fire Department (Station 13) – Brush units, medic, and command
- Brazos Volunteer Fire Department (Station 8) – Brush truck and tender
- Lone Camp Volunteer Fire Department (Station 7) – Engine and brush trucks
- Lake Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Department (Station 15) – Brush units, tender, and engine (backfill assignment)
- Gordon Volunteer Fire Department (Station 12) – Brush truck
- Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Department (Station 5) – Engine
Mutual aid resources from Parker County and Hood County also provided brush trucks, engines, and water tenders.
To manage the complex incident, Watkins divided operations into east, west, and structure protection divisions. Firefighters worked in triple-digit heat and low humidity, applying urban-wildland interface tactics that were the focus of recent ESD1 training sessions.
By 5:09 p.m., crews had stopped the forward progression of the fire. The blaze was placed under control at 5:48 p.m. and declared out just after 7:00 p.m.
No injuries were reported, and no structures were lost. The fire was determined to be accidental and non-suspicious.
“This incident shows the value of the training our personnel have been completing, and the strength of our mutual aid partnerships,” Watkins said. “Our crews worked side by side with neighboring counties and prevented what could have been a devastating outcome for this community.”
