UPDATE: Big Country Blazes Contained, Suspects Arrested
By: Texas Forest Service
Updated: March 24, 2009
10 pm UPDATE: Three Eastland County residents have been charged with arson in connection with these fires. Twenty year old Christina Utley of Ranger, 23 year old Brian Freeman and 24 year old Michael Thomas, both of Cisco, are being held at the Eastland County jail. Theyre charged with five counts of arson and one count of organized criminal activity.
Investigators say the three are responsbile for the fires on Sunday that destroyed five structures in Eastland and Callahan Counties. The three were intially arrested on other charges, but investigators found suspicious items in their car.
6pm Update:
The Texas Forest Service now says nearly all the fires burning across are contained:
Callahan/Eastland Complex - A total of 268 acres in three fires make up this complex:
The 482 Fire is 200 acres and 100% contained. A TFS Task Force of dozers and engines worked on this fire this morning widening and improving fire lines and was released at noon today. Local fire departments will continue to monitor this fire.
The 880 fire is 33 acres and is 100% contained and is being monitored by local fire departments.
The Finley Fire in Eastland County is 35 acres and is 95% contained. Seven homes were threatened and saved. This fire was staffed and monitored by local fire departments today.
