09/02/2026
Around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, September 1, the Etoile Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a grass fire on East Highway 103 near County Road 463.
Arriving units found a fast-moving grass fire on the north side of Highway 103. The fire was started when a treetop fell onto power lines, and strong westerly winds were pushing the fire rapidly through a tree farm.
The Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist.
The front turret on Etoile Tanker 1 was used to knock down the fire and slow its progression, while Brush 1 and Brush 2 were positioned on the west and east flanks. With the strong winds, crews worked quickly to keep the fire from spreading.
Then Mother Nature decided to lend a hand.
A sudden rain shower moved through the area, bringing a short but hard rain that helped crews bring the fire under control. It was a very welcome relief.
The Texas A&M Forest Service arrived on scene and took control of the incident.
Etoile Volunteer Fire Department responded with Tanker 1, Brush 1, Brush 2, the Rescue Truck, and 10 firefighters. Etoile cleared scene and available at 4:45 PM.
This incident was also a good example of how much happens behind the scenes at a fire. While part of the team was on scene fighting the fire, other members were setting up a water fill station. Several members made sure firefighters had water and refreshments, while others helped monitor the scene and firefighter safety.
Everyone had a job, and everyone did their job.
The teamwork displayed by our members during this incident was impressive to watch.
