Firefighter silhouette standing and gazing at distant wildfire with broken fence post and crimson Texas sky

Blanco County Fires May Be Arson, Fire Marshal Says

At a Glance

  • Multiple fires in Blanco County on Dec. 10, Dec. 14, and Dec. 25 may have been set intentionally.
  • Fire Marshal Matt McMain says investigations show signs of arson.
  • Residents are urged to call 911 if they see suspicious activity.
  • Why it matters: A potential arson spree amid a county burn ban puts local communities at risk and strains emergency services.

In the southwestern part of Blanco County, Texas, a series of vegetation fires ignited on three separate dates last month. Fire Marshal Matt McMain has raised the possibility that the blazes were deliberately set, prompting a call to residents for vigilance.

Fire Incidents and Investigation

Crews from Blanco County Emergency Services District 2 responded to the fires, and the marshal’s office is conducting investigations that point to intentional ignition. The incidents occurred in the 3000 block of Ranch Road 1888 on Dec. 10 and Dec. 14, and in the 3000 block of Trainer Wuest Road on Dec. 25.

Date Time Location
Dec. 10 1:38 p.m. 3000 block of Ranch Road 1888
Dec. 14 2:10 p.m. 3000 block of Ranch Road 1888
Dec. 25 8:21 a.m. 3000 block of Trainer Wuest Road
NO BURNING sign warns in clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds and distant fire truck

The timeline shows a pattern of repeated activity in the same area, raising concerns about possible arson.

County Response and Burn Ban

Blanco County is under a burn ban, which prohibits outdoor burning at all times, while Travis County also issued a ban on Tuesday morning. The marshal’s office urges anyone who observes suspicious activity to contact emergency services immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Fires on Dec. 10, Dec. 14, and Dec. 25 may be arson.
  • Matt McMain and Ben Oakley have confirmed the dates and locations.
  • Residents should report suspicious activity to help protect their communities.

With the investigation ongoing, residents should remain alert and report any suspicious behavior to help protect their communities.

Author

  • Julia N. Fairmont is a Senior Correspondent for newsofaustin.com, covering urban development, housing policy, and Austin’s growth challenges. Known for investigative reporting on displacement, zoning, and transit, she translates complex city decisions into stories that show how policy shapes daily life for residents.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *