The Blanco Volunteer Fire Department responded to reports of five fires burning along the roadside on FM 165. Passers-by called in reports of the fires on Friday afternoon, September 16, between Cox Rd. and US 290.

Someone was allegedly driving down the road, throwing bottles of accelerant out on the road, Blanco Chief David Hotz reported. The Blanco County Deputy in charge of the case was not available to return the newspaper’s call before press time.

Hotz was not on duty at the time but reported information given to him by those who were at the scene. Several passers-by, Hotz said, reported the fires and aided the firefighters by throwing five gallon jugs of water on the burning grasses.

“One could’ve been potentially bad,” Hotz said, “but they were quick to get it out.”

The fire department spent time fighting one of the fires, which grew to 10 acres before being contained.

On September 10, the Blanco fire department responded to two fires on the same property in Stallion Estates. The chief reported that the state Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the fires as possible arson.

Hotz added that the department has already responded to 30 calls this month. Firefighters have been dispatched to help in the Johnson City area numerous times as well as what are called “good intent” calls to check areas for fires and smoke.

The department would rather receive calls for possible fires seen in the distance than let the fires get big enough so there’s no mistake, Hotz said.

The department’s new fire engine will be put into service on October 18, 2011, at 6pm. The entire community is invited to check out the new addition to the department’s fleet. The department is also looking for volunteers; if you’re at least 18 years of age and interested, call the station at 830-833-5009.