Photo courtesy Geronimo VFD
(Geronimo) – An additional 16 acres went up in flames Wednesday. This new scorched area also happens to be in front of the 90 plus acres that burned almost two weeks ago forcing multiple agencies to work around the clock.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal, says the fire off of Branch Road was “caused by a welder.” Pinder says a citation was issued for violation of the county burn ban and for not having a hot works permit.”
The heat on top of the very dry conditions is already a mixture for danger. That’s according to Michael Castro, chief of the Geronimo Volunteer Fire Department.
“It has been tough this summer with all the volunteer fire departments in the county. It has been a dry summer. The small little spark can turn into a huge fire. Mutual aid has helped contain the fires quicker especially when you have resources outside the county assisting also,” said Castro.
Photo courtesy Geronimo VFD
VFD’s say they don’t expect things to improve anytime soon. That’s why they are encouraging the public to be as cautious as possible and to request the proper permits necessary to get a job done.