Hot Spots Slowing Probe of Massive Wild_re Involving Aransas Pass, Ingleside, and IOB Crews

At least 23 agencies and more than 150 _re_ghters worked furiously Sunday, February 11th to contain a massive blaze that destroyed eight RV’s and at least 100 acres of brush and vegetation along the Hwy. 35 Bypass in Aransas County. One of the homes reduced to rubble was occupied, but no one was killed or injured. Authorities are still trying to determine the cause. (Photos Courtesy: Rockport Volunteer F.D.)

At least 23 agencies and more than 150 firefi ghters worked furiously Sunday, February 11th to contain a massive blaze that destroyed eight RV’s and at least 100 acres of brush and vegetation along the Hwy. 35 Bypass in Aransas County. One of the homes reduced to rubble was occupied, but no one was killed or injured. Authorities are still trying to determine the cause.

While the fire is reportedly 85-percent contained, hot spots are making it difficult to continue the investigation into a cause which remained undetermined, according to Emily Guerrero, the Public Information Officer with the Rockport Fire Department. She added it could take several days before the Fire Marshall and other investigators can safely probe the vicinity looking for clues as to how the fire ignited.

“We are speculating how,” remarked Guerrero, adding at this time the department was unable to comment further.

There’s no dollar estimate on the losses, either. The RVs that were destroyed, Guerrero said, appear to have been on individual lots and not part of a gated park.

Aransas Pass, Ingleside, and Ingleside on the Bay firefighters all helped ba_le the inferno that was reported via a 9-1-1 call just before 7:30 p.m., flames so intense it could be seen from miles away.

An evacuation center was set up inside the Aransas Pass Civic Center, but staff told the newspaper only “a few” people took advantage of it.

Guerrero urged any property owners who may have been impacted to stay away, calling it “dangerous” for them to try and access the site until the Texas Forest Service has ruled there is no more fear of fire.