Families ran to safety this past Saturday when a huge fire broke out at a local pumpkin patch in Fort Worth, filling the air with thick black smoke.
On Saturday, a fire was sparked at Robinson Family Farm and moved quickly through a nearby parking lot, where it enveloped more than 70 vehicles, causing many to explode.
Videos shared to social media on Saturday showed families running from the blaze, many with young children and infants. Some ran towards the fire, with hopes of saving their cars, trucks, or SUVs.
The fall attraction at Robinson Family Farm, near Temple, is home to pumpkin picking and other autumn activities.
During the farm’s busiest month of the year, they were forced to shut down and halt all activities when the blaze was discovered around 1 p.m.
“It looked like something out of a war zone,” said veteran John Bessick to KXXV.
Bessick tried to help others escape the area amid the rapidly spreading fires. However, the explosions of surrounding vehicles were difficult for him to ignore due to his PTSD. He said the situation was more nerve-wracking than one would think.
Firefighters from surrounding towns in the area responded to the scene, managing to contain the fire and eventually extinguish it. While no one was reported to be injured, 73 vehicles were lost to the fire.
Some visitors were lucky, able to save their vehicles from the blaze, but many were not. Some posted descriptions on social media and recounted the incident.
One wrote, “Any guesses what I’m replacing for my 30th? RIP Pixie (my truck) 2021-2022.” Another man wrote, “We are OK!!! but my Tahoe is gone … currently burning in a field at the pumpkin patch.”
Firefighters and authorities investigating the scene believed the blaze was likely caused by a discarded cigarette, which sparked the dry October grass.
The Bell County Fire Marshal’s Office put out a statement asking all those who may have information about someone discarding a cigarette into the grassy parking lot to contact them on Facebook or by dialing 254-933-5589.
The Robinson Family Farm closed for the weekend but promised to be open again next weekend. On their Facebook page, they said, “We are so thankful to report that no one was harmed, & that is of the most importance to us.”