NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters from multiple fire departments have contained a wildfire in Newton County.
The fire was reported around 2 p.m. on August 3, 2023 in the area of RR 255 and Highway 87 about 14 miles north east of Jasper.
The fire took place in a wooded area with deer stands, pine trees and no homes.
The Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department, Toledo Bend Fire Department, Newton Volunteer Fire Department, Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department, East End Volunteer Fire Department and the Texas A&M Forest Service responded.
Planes were even seen getting water from Rattle Snake Island, which is at south end of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, to help firefighters battle the blaze.
As of around 8 p.m. Thursday evening, the fire was contained according to Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Charles Duckworth.
Duckworth tells 12News the fire burned 160 acres.
A portion of RR 255 was closed when the fire was burning but has since then reopened.
A burn ban is currently in effect for Newton County.
Southeast Texas is also under a severe drought as the rainfall deficit increases.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.