CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Over the past few days, not only has the Corpus Christi Fire Department been busy, but also many of the surrounding fire departments have been busy fighting grass fires.
There are many contributing factors to these fires; one of them is wind.
Today the Corpus Christi Fire Department has responded to 3-4 brush fires, not only here in town, but also around the county as well.
“Many times when we have the brush fires, we have structures that are in danger, that is our first priority to protect life and property. So if 50 acres burn, but we save one house, that is definitely a worthwhile exchange,”said Corpus Christi Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim DeVisser.
Normally, there are 3 contributing factors that cause grass fires; one is irresponsible use of flammable materials, two is controlled burns that become uncontrolled burns, and three is an act of nature, something that is out of your control.
"Irresponsible use of flammable materials would be things like smoking or throwing cigarette butts out, fireworks, campfires, children experimenting with fire. The controlled burns that become uncontrolled burns would be people forgetting to take the wind into consideration. It's dry here, and they don't expect the grass to burn as fast as it does," said DeVisser.
These dry and windy conditions could lead to an increase in grass fires later this summer. However, firefighters said having a plan can make things easier.
“They just get so big you really got to be able to work together, which we have great relations with those agencies. Work together, come up with a plan that is going to be to use your water to the maximum advantage, and put it out,” said DeVisser.
The biggest thing people can do to help the fire department is call it in as soon as they see it.
