Smoke over US-146 in South Polk County was visible from a distance.
Woods Fire Shuts Down US-146, SCHWAB CITY, August 3, 2011 - Shortly after 4 pm on August 3, 2011, a woods fire on the east side of US-146 just north of FM-2665 shut down 146 for a couple of hours. The fire spread quickly and even jumped 146 to the west side. Fire departments from South Polk County, Livingston, Onalaska, Scenic Loop, North Liberty County, and Tarkington responded to the woods fire and managed to get it out in about 2 hours. There was even a helicopter from the Texas Forest Service making trips back and forth dumping loads of water onto the fire. According to Chief Corky Cochran, the closest residences were on Bird Road on the east side of 146 and the fire never made it that far. Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Troopers from the Texas Highway Patrol helped block 146 during operations. At time of press, the number of acres burned has not yet been disclosed to PolkCountyToday.com.
Special thank you: Chris Mohelman
Interview with Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran and footage from the scene.
A helicopter with the Texas Forest Service was making round trips with loads of water.
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