Blown tire blamed for massive grass fire in Walker Couinty

HUNTSVILLE, TX (KTRK) -- Firefighters are putting out hot spots after a fast-moving grass-fire burned four buildings near Huntsville Monday.

The fire also burned about 600 acres near FM 980 and FM 2628 in Walker County.

Firefighters were quick to the scene, but not before one home, a barn and two other buildings burned. People in two subdivisions were also forced to evacuate as a precaution.

And unlike many wildfires, the cause of this one was immediately known.

"The cause of it was a blown tire," said Melanie Spralding with the Texas A&M Fire Service. "The rim of the tire caused sparks. Then it was on a hay trailer so the hay actually caught on fire. Then, the brush around it did as well."

Fire crews are plowing lines around the area. They're also remaining on the scene to make sure the fire doesn't re-ignite.