More than 100 firefighters responded to a four-alarm fire in southwestern Dallas on Sunday afternoon after a grass fire spread to a nearby home, scrapyard materials, and large piles of tires, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky.
Dallas Fire-Rescue received a 911 call about 4:44 p.m. reporting a grass fire behind a home in the 4500 block of Barstow Boulevard in the Redbird area.
What began as a relatively small grass fire quickly expanded, reaching the home and causing its roof to collapse. The flames then spread north across property behind the residence, where firefighters encountered gutted vehicles, trailers and multiple piles of tires and other debris.
Firefighters Work To Contain Blaze
Dallas Fire-Rescue deployed seven engines, three trucks and additional personnel to the scene. The department ultimately went to a fourth alarm to bring in additional manpower and allow firefighters to rotate more frequently while working in high temperatures.
Crews surrounded the fire from the north and south near Brass Way and Barstow Boulevard while positioning firefighters along tree lines to the east and west. Hand lines, ladder pipes and master streams were used to keep the flames from spreading farther.
By about 7:30 p.m., officials said the fire was mostly contained to the tire piles. However, crews expected the operation to continue for some time because of the difficulty involved in extinguishing the burning tires.
The intense heat also complicated firefighting efforts. Temperatures in the area remained around 100 degrees Sunday evening, requiring firefighters wearing heavy protective equipment to spend shorter periods working near the flames.
Black Smoke Visible for Miles
The burning tires produced a dense column of black smoke that could be seen well beyond the immediate area. Reports indicated the plume was visible from communities as far north as Addison, Carrollton and Plano.
Although the dramatic smoke cloud was visible from miles away, officials said the fire’s spread had been brought under control and did not require evacuations.
Firefighters also prevented the flames from reaching nearby businesses and a residential community.
The 4500 block of Barstow Boulevard was blocked as emergency crews continued working at the scene.
No Injuries Reported
No injuries were reported in connection with the fire.
Dallas Fire-Rescue’s rapid response and strategic positioning helped prevent the blaze from spreading beyond the property, officials said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
