A devastating fire broke out at a lumber yard located in the 25000 block of Farm-to-Market (FM) 429 at County Road 355 on the morning of August 7, 2023. The Ables Springs Volunteer Fire Department was swiftly dispatched to the scene at approximately 9:42 a.m. in response to the emergency.
The fire rapidly escalated in intensity, prompting the involvement of multiple neighboring fire departments and county assets. Among those who responded were the Terrell Fire Department, Terrell Volunteer Fire Department, Kaufman Fire Department, Elmo Fire Department, College Mound Fire Department, Tawakoni South Volunteer Fire Department, Union Valley Fire Department, Scurry Fire Department, Rockwall Fire Department, Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office, and Kaufman County Emergency Management.
Originally categorized as a grass fire, the Ables Springs Fire Department quickly upgraded the incident to a structure fire due to the specific location and the known contents of the lumber yard and surrounding structures. The fire posed a significant threat to the area, including neighboring homes.
Chief Chandra Elliott of the Ables Springs Fire Department expressed gratitude for the dedication and relentless efforts of her team, acknowledging the sacrifices they made to combat the raging inferno. "I'd like to first thank our ASFD firefighters for not only their hard work and dedication, but also for leaving their homes and jobs to come help fight this fire," Chief Elliott stated. The response from the Ables Springs Fire Department included 14 members who tirelessly battled the flames throughout the day.
Chief Elliott also extended her appreciation to the numerous other departments and county personnel, mostly volunteers, who joined forces to contain the fire and ensure the safety of nearby residences. The collaborative efforts of these firefighting units were instrumental in preventing further spread of the fire and safeguarding the local community.
