January 30, 2017 - Three fire departments were called out to multiple structures on fire on CR 1024 at 1pm on Monday, January 30, 2017 including Center Fire Department, West Shelby Volunteer Fire Department, and Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department.
While Center FD was en route to the blaze firemen could see a large amount of smoke from a distance indicating a large fire was rolling. Several out buildings were fully engulfed in flames and winds were moving the fire towards nearby structures including a neighboring home. Shelbyville VFD and West Shelby County VFD were both dispatched to assist.
Firemen were quick to work on stopping the flames from spreading; however, changing winds kept them running. The owner of the property is Ignacio Gonzalez and his home received exterior damage. A carport was damaged and fell partially on a vehicle parked under it. A second vehicle which was parked nearby a fully engulfed out building received damage to the rear of the vehicle as the heat from the flames caused the plastic to melt.
Three out buildings which appeared to be storage sheds and barn structures were completely or mostly burned down. A horse trailer also fell victim to the fire along with a heavy equipment boom lift and a pile of miscellaneous lumber. Heat caused the rear tire on a tractor to explode.
A neighbor, Terry Bailey, brought over a compact skid steer loader to assist by helping to dig a fire break. Close to 2pm the Texas Forest Service arrived with heavy equipment to assist as well. Jason Burch with Hughes Wrecker Service assisted firemen in dragging hose and moving debris. ACE EMS was on scene in the event anyone fell victim to the excessive heat of the flames.
A neighbor's home was saved by the firemen as flames came within 10 feet or less of the house.
