August 22, 2023 - Spann’s Chapel Baptist Church’s pastor, Bro. Larry Chandler, gives praise for the support Shelby County and others have given during the ongoing large wildfire off US 96 South which began sometime after morning church service on Sunday, August 20th. Since the early stages of the fire, emergency management teams stationed themselves at the church with the fire 50 yards away from its doors on the other side of the county road.
Bro. Chandler gives praises to God the wind was blowing in a southernly direction away from the church.
The church opened up the fellowship hall to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and all of the firefighters of Shelby County. The fellowship hall soon had what Bro. Chandler referred to as ‘a wall of water’ along with sports drinks which were brought by agencies and donated by businesses and individuals. Bro. Chandler shared, “This is how Shelby County works by helping each other.” The outpouring of food and support from the community has been amazing.
At one point Sunday, the power went out at the church and Neuville Baptist Church who was already helping opened their fellowship hall by becoming the new drop off location, by preparing food for firefighters working, as well as providing a cooling station. Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative was quick to restore power and once the power was restored at Spann’s Chapel, the meals were delivered from Neuville Church to the workers at Spann’s Chapel's fellowship hall once again.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from Shelby County and other areas staged at the church alongside those fighting the fire just incase they were needed. Extreme heat conditions in addition to the heat from the fire made the need for a cooling station imperative as well as having medical personnel on site.
Bro. Chandler cannot express in words how much the turnout from all area fire departments - they all showed to assist; Forest Service firefighters offering ground and aerial services; firefighters from four different states; EMS personnel; county officials; law enforcement, and state government support... how much their work means to the church and the community is beyond words.
A group of firefighters gather under a canopy cover before eating an evening meal.
Those working have been astounded by the support from the community, churches, and businesses who have donated and/or contributed.
As of 9:23pm Monday, August 21, the ‘Spann Fire’ is 100% contained and was downsized to 300 acres versus Sunday’s report of 500 acres. Blessing!
