Careless Burning Results In $250,000 Worth Of Damages

Editor

MARTINS MILL—Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen said up to a $250,000 worth of damage was reported after a fire broke out March 25 destroying about 100 acres of pasture land and a winery on Van Zandt County Road 4117 about one mile off Farm-to-Market 1653 in Martins Mill.

The fire call came in to the South Van Zandt Fire Department at around 2 p.m., as "smoke in the area."

When fire fighters arrived on the scene Allen said it was determined to be an out of control pasture fire.

"It appears someone had set some brush piles on fire and it got out of hand," Allen said.

South Van Zandt, along with Canton, Van, Ben Wheeler, Edom and Mineola Fire Departments responded to the fire. The American Red Cross was also called in for rehab.

Lost in the fire was an out of service winery manufacturing warehouse.

Tuesday, Allen reported the estimated cost of damage on the warehouse and equipment inside at $150,000 to $200,000.

Wednesday, however, following further investigation, Allen said the price tag could be much more.

Allen said the fire is still under investigation, and no citations have been issued at this time.