Authorites called for multiple homes to evacuate in China Spring on Thursday afternoons as multiple agencies responded to a large brush fire.
The brush fire is located between Quail Haven and Culpepper Roads. Houses between the 100 block to the 400 block of Quail Haven on Wortham were evacuated, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. That evacuation order has since been lifted and neighbors are able to return to their homes.
Waco units said they responded with McLennan and Bosque County agencies to the 14700 Block of Wortham Bend Road. China Spring Fire Department said the original call came shortly after 1 p.m. The fire grew from just two acres to over 40 acres.
The Texas A&M Forest Service was called around 2 p.m. to help.
China Spring Fire Department said the fire began when a lawn mower hit a rock and sparked.
"Just be careful when you're out there, doing whatever," China Spring fire chief Scott Needler said. "Even when you're mowing, take a fire extinguisher with you. It might help."
Firefighters were able to stop the progress of the fire just one-eighth of a mile away from the houses.
As of 9 p.m. Thursday, the fire is 40 acres in size and is 75 percent contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
A burn ban remains in effect for McLennan County and fire officials encourage people to be extra vigilant to prevent fires.
MUTUAL AID BRUSH FIRE - 14700 Block of Wortham Bend Rd. @WacoTXFire units responding with multiple McLennan & Bosque Co. agencies and Texas A&M Forest Service to a large brush fire.
— Waco Fire Department (@WacoTXFire) April 7, 2022
