HOUSTON – A large fire that burned about 1,500 acres of land at a west Houston park is a reminder of how easily fires can start, so Houston's mayor may take additional steps to protect city parks.
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The fire at George Bush Park started near a roadway in the 16700 block of Westheimer Parkway near state Highway 6 about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday. It was 100 percent contained on Wednesday, but flare-ups and hot spots kept firefighters busy. It was 90 percent contained Thursday morning.
Houston firefighters said they will be in the park to make sure the fire does not start again, and they expect it to be 100 percent contained by the end of Wednesday.
Firefighters hope to finish their work in the park by Friday afternoon.
"What we are doing, essentially, is mopping up. We are putting out spot fires, just isolated fires. We are also expanding the fire-break to make sure that we don't have an extension," said Fernando Herrera with the Houston Fire Department.
A discarded cigarette is a possible cause of the fire, officials said.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker said City Council may ban smoking in all city parks as a precaution.
"We're actually discussing doing that," Parker said. "I will tell you there's already a ban on littering, so anybody who throws a cigarette butt down in a park is violating the law. There is no circumstance in which anyone should be throwing a cigarette butt down anywhere."
A burn ban is already in place in Houston parks.
City workers are cleaning dead limbs and brush from parks across the city to leave less fuel for potential fires.
"We have 380 parks and I'm concerned about dead grass and pine needles because that will spark a fire," said Joe Turner, Houston Parks director.
George Bush Park is about 7,800 acres.
HFD Safety Tips During Drought
Barbecue Safety
- Portable barbecue pits, charcoal grills and other open-flame cooking devices outside of a building should not be operated on combustible balconies or located within 10 feet of combustible walls or roofs or other combustible materials.
- When igniting the barbecue charcoal, use a charcoal lighter, not gasoline. Gasoline can flash violently in and around the pit causing serious injuries to anyone in the area of the flash. A fire extinguisher or charged garden hose should be handy while the fire is burning. Check the pit frequently to ensure that it is OK.
- Hot ash and coals from barbecue pits and charcoal burners should be placed in a non-combustible container until cooled or thoroughly saturated with water, before being disposed.
- Citizens should also be aware that there is a temporary ban on all barbeque pits in city of Houston parks.
Open Flames
- The city of Houston Fire Code prohibits all open-burning within the Houston city limits at all times. The burn ban in unincorporated areas of Harris County also prohibits any outdoor open-burning, including the burning of: a bonfire, rubbish fire, campfire, trench fire, or other fire in an outdoor location when not contained.
Vehicles, Trailers & Tools
- Park vehicles so that the exhaust system does not come in contact with dry grass, leaves, or weeds.
- Adjust the safety chains on trailers to ensure they don?t drag and create sparks that can cause roadside starts.
- Keep lawn mowers and agricultural equipment in proper working condition and avoid rocks and other materials which might cause a spark.
- Do not weld or cut without a spotter, a water source and a shovel.
- Notify the electric power company when dead trees or overhanging limbs endanger the electric wires. The wires may touch each other or the ground, causing sparks that start fires.
Cigarettes or Other Smoking Materials
- Another cause of accidental fires is carelessly discarded cigarettes or other smoking materials. They can smolder for hours and should be completely doused with water before being discarded in a safe manner, rather than tossed out a window or on the ground.
- Texas' arson law includes felony punishment for anyone whose cigarette recklessly sets fire to a building or injures anyone. Arson is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, but if a person is hurt or killed or if the fire involves a church, arson is a first-degree felony, carrying possible punishment of up to life in prison.
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