KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 5, 2022
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy-area residents celebrated Fourth of July with fun fireworks making it a busy night for local authorities. Firefighters contained multiple fires but still caution residents of ongoing dry conditions.
Elyson resident Wayne Westbrook took this picture of a grass fire last night. Photo credit: Wayne Westbrook.
Local Firefighters Stayed Busy Over the Holiday Weekend
Harris County ESD 48 Fire Department reported over 20 calls over the Fourth of July weekend. The majority were linked to fireworks or burning trash.
“Drought conditions certainly kept our crews busy this holiday weekend,” says Jason Tharp, the Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction and PIO for Harris County ESD No. 48 Fire Department.
Their department reported over twenty calls over the weekend with 11 grass fires, 9 outdoor fires, and 2 residential fires.
Fireworks are seen in the sky as a grass fire burns near the Katy neighborhood Elyson. Photo credit: Wayne Westbrook
Residents in Elyson, at FM 529 and 99 took pictures of grass fire that broke out due to fireworks last night. The fire was successfully managed and put out but the incident showed many the dangers and risks.
“This week temperatures will continue to climb into near triple digits with very little to no chance of rain,” says Chief Tharp. “Please continue to remain cautious when grilling outdoors and no outdoor burning is permitted during the current burn ban.”
Over the weekend, the department received multiple calls with people burning in their backyards. This is a danger considering the current dry conditions.
“If your neighborhood isn’t under any water restrictions, try to water at least once a day,” says Chief Tharp. “Make sure that the yard is picked up before doing any lawn maintenance.”