UPDATE: Criminal investigation underway after Hackberry fire torches 193 acres in Bell County, Texas
SALADO, Texas (KWTX) - UPDATE: The Bell County Sheriff’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into the Hackberry Fire that torched nearly 200 acres in southeast Bell County on Oct. 13, prompting a massive response from fire departments across Central Texas.
“A total of sixteen structures were threatened and saved by the heroic efforts of the firefighters. There are no injuries reported. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into the origins of the fire, and the source has been identified,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office is working in conjunction with the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and the Texas A&M Forestry Service.
The Bell County Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:12 p.m. reporting smoke in the area near 2900 Hackberry Road. Salado Fire Department responded to the scene and began battling the large fire.
As the fire spread, officials activated the Eastside Strike Force, bringing fire departments from Temple, Belton, Bartlett, Holland, Rogers, Little River-Academy, Troy, Sparta Valley, Morgans Point Resort, Moffat and Jarrell, the sheriff’s office said.
When winds changed direction, the Westside Strike Force was also activated, adding fire departments from Killeen, Fort Hood, Nolanville, Harker Heights, Central Bell and Southwest Bell.
The Texas Forestry Service deployed firefighters, bulldozers and aircraft for retardant drops. Additional wildland fire assets from Travis County and Lake Travis Fire Department also responded to assist.
Salado Fire Department maintained command of the scene with assistance from Bell County Emergency Management. Officials said no structures have been affected by the fire and have a handle on containing it.
Authorities are asking residents to stay away from the area. “The firefighters need to worry about fighting fire, not getting hit by people looking at the scene,” the sheriff’s office said. “It is also slowing the movement of fire assets.”
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