Editor:

The Pettus-Tuleta Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the many fire departments that came to help in the large brush fire on Jan. 21. The fire burned over 300 acres and took about two hours to control.

The Pettus-Tuleta and Nomanna Departments were fighting a fire in western Bee County when the call came about the fire off Charco Road east of Tuleta. The Beeville Fire Department was helping fight a fire in southern Bee County, so it took almost 30 minutes to get the first truck on scene.

After trying to get control of the fire when the first two trucks arrived, it was decided that help was needed and other departments were called in. Beeville Fire Department arrived first with lots of help and the departments from Pawnee, Skidmore, Papalote and Kenedy showed up shortly afterward, providing great relief from their fine departments.

The fire was in some very thick brush and grassy areas that were 15 feet high in some places and being fanned by gusty winds. The men with the departments worked very hard and got control shortly before it got dark.

It is unknown how the fire started, but people need to know that it is very dry and even cigarettes can start a fire quickly.

On any fire to which these volunteers are called, there is always a possibility of injury or death. These are people who volunteer their time to help their neighbors and the citizens need to help by being very careful during this dry period in our county.

The Pettus-Tuleta department damaged a truck recently at a fire and will have to spend around $3,000 to have it fixed. This truck is really needed during this dry time.

The people of Bee County really ought to be thankful for the fine men and women of these departments and those in the surrounding counties that will come at a moment’s notice when called to do so. The fires we fight are just as hot and deadly as the fires paid departments fight in big cities.

Again, the Pettus-Tuleta VFD thanks everyone who came to our aid, and we will do the same when you call.

Clifford Bagwell

Assistant Chief

Pettus-Tuleta VFD