What started as a flat tire on a vehicle quickly turned into a raging grass fire in Round Mountain Friday afternoon, August 19.

Approximately 12 agencies responded to the call for aid in controlling the fire including units from Blanco, Johnson City, Round Mountain, Comal County, Fredericksburg, Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals, and Spicewood, plus the Texas Forest Service. PEC was also on scene to shut down power if any lines were threatened.

According to Blanco County EMS, one civilian was evaluated, but not transported to a hospital and a firefighter who suffered minor burns to the arm was not treated and continued to fight the fire.

According to witnesses, there were several PEC employees who stepped up, along with the first Round Mountain unit on scene, to save the historic 1855 cabin built by pioneer Joseph Bird.

Brian Anderson, an EMT in Johnson City said, "This was the definition of a raging grass fire." Round Mountain Fire Chief J.C. Roy stated, "I was extremely pleased at how everything went and how all the agencies played very well together."

"This is a solemn reminder for everyone to be fire conscious and remember that we are in a very severe drought,” Roy said. “Always be sure to have extinguishers and water on hand if you are going to be mowing or doing any outside work that could cause that one small spark.

“Everyone doing their part to prevent fires is going to be essential in all of us making it through this drought with as little loss as possible. This fire is also a good example of how communities can come together in the blink of an eye to help take care of not just themselves, but each other.”

According to the Texas Forest Service, the fire claimed 137 acres.