Firefighters Battle Fast-Moving Grass Fire in Parker County

Fast-moving firefighters are being credited with saving homes in Parker County.

The Sandlin Hill Fire started around 3:30 p.m. west of FM 51 south of Springtown and quickly spread.

Steven Tettleton lives nearby and says he called 911 when he saw smoke at what seemed like a distance.

“Ten minutes later, it’s just smoke and fire everywhere,” Tettleton said.

Fire departments for Azle, Weatherford, Springtown and Parker County responded to the fire which was headed toward dozens of homes.

“Without the hard work, getting out here on the scene quickly, this would have gotten much larger,” said Adam Turner, public information officer for the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Turner says people in about 50 homes had to be evacuated but were allowed back late this afternoon.

Meanwhile, firefighters battled flames and bulldozers carved out fire breaks to keep them from spreading.

Investigators haven't confirmed what caused the Sandlin Hill Fire but they say it appears to have started at a new home construction site nearby.

“Any spark right now will catch something on fire,” Turner said. Some property was destroyed but crews prevented homes from catching fire.

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