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August 15, 2023 - FM 1970 outside of Timpson was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Monday, August 14, 2023.
According to information fron the the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Troopers investigated a crash on Farm-to-Market Road 1970, just south of County Road 4843, that occurred Monday, August 14, 2023.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 2:50pm, a silver Honda CRV driven by Sandy Jones, 62, of Timpson was northbound, followed by a white Ford F-250 driven by Carl Warner, 42, of Carthage. It is reported that the Honda slowed down to make a turn into a private drive and the driver of the Ford failed to control his speed, striking the rear of the Honda.
Jones was not injured.
Warner was not injured and was cited for failing to control his speed.
There is no further information available.
The Honda was towed from the scene by Hopkins Wrecker Service.
August 14, 2023 - The National Weather Service, Shreveport, LA advises an excessive heat warning is in effect until 8pm Monday evening, August 14.
Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 110 to 115 degrees are expected across much of East Texas through 8pm this evening. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
However, a brief respite from triple digit heat is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. A cool front will move across the region late this afternoon into the early evening hours, bringing a slight chance (10%) of isolated showers and thunderstorms. Slightly cooler and less humid conditions will move into the area tonight in wake of the front. Overnight lows will fall into the low to mid 70s. Cooler temperatures and noticeably less humid conditions can be expected on Tuesday and Wednesday behind the front.
Otherwise, temperatures to again climb into the upper 90s to triple digits late in the work week and through next weekend. Can`t rule out some isolated to scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms over the upcoming weekend in association with increased seabreeze activity.
Monday - High 106, Low 75
Tuesday - High 97, Low 67
Wednesday - High 96, Low 68
Thursday - High 102, Low 74
Friday - High 105, Low 75
Saturday - High 105, Low 77
August 14, 2023 - Over the week of August 6th through 12th the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department had 4 calls. Here’s a summary of the weeks events.
Sunday night at 9:12pm a page was received for a person feeling nauseous and sick at a residence on Stone Street. The JVFD medical team responded with Allegiance EMS to help the patient.
Tuesday afternoon at 1:21pm a call came in for a 2-vehicle accident in front of the Brookshire Brothers on Highway 84 East. A black SUV struck the side of a blue pickup truck, causing the SUVs airbags to deploy. The driver of the pickup was unharmed but the SUV driver was checked out by EMS. The JVFD provided traffic control until the vehicles were able to be removed from the roadway.
Early Saturday morning at 12:56am the JVFD was called to put out at electric pole that was on fire on FM 3082. The electric company had already come out and disconnected the power.
Saturday evening at 6:38pm a call came in for a person who had fallen at a residence on County Road 3187. The JVFD medical team responded with Allegiance EMS and it was discovered that the patient laid outside on their concrete driveway for some time after falling, and may have suffered some minor burns as well. The patient was later transported by ambulance to an emergency room.
With that, this edition of the report will come to a close. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hopes everyone has a great and safe week ahead.
August 10, 2023 - Center Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at a residence on Price Street not far from the intersection of Wiseman Street on August 4, 2023 at around 11:30pm.
Initial reports were of concern for a resident being trapped inside the home, which was around 100 yards from the roadway, while a fire raged just in front of the structure surrounded by woods.
When Center Fire Department personnel arrived a large pile of debris, as well as a camper trailer were on fire. The firefighters began working to extinguish the fire, while additional personnel and law enforcement officers with the Center Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety worked diligently to locate the resident of the house. He was eventually located unharmed.
The firefighters were successful in extinguishing the flames and preventing the house from becoming involved in the fire.
The cause of the fire was undetermined at the time the fire was extinguished.
August 10, 2023 - State Highway 7 (SH7) East at the intersection of State Loop 500 (SL 500) was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Friday, August 4, 2023.
According to Center Police Officer Brian Wright, a white Jeep Laredo driven by Wendy Sims, 47, of Center was westbound on SH7 when it came to the intersection of SL 500 and came to a stop at the stop sign. At that time a white Honda Civic driven by Melissa Smith, 41, of Brooklyn was northbound on SL 500 and came to a stop at the northbound stop sign after Sims.
Smith failed to yield right of way to Sims causing the Honda to strike the left rear of the Jeep and leaving the Honda in the middle of the roadway.
Both drivers received minor injuries resulting from the crash and were checked by EMS at the scene, but refused treatment. The Honda was towed from the scene.
No citations were issued.
August 8, 2023 - Emergency personnel responded to a three-vehicle crash Saturday, August 4, 2023, in Tenaha at the intersection of U.S. Highways 96 and 59.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 2:10pm a Buick Century driven by James Allen Dunahoe, 74, of Gladewater failed to yield right of way at a stopped intersection entering onto U.S. Highway 96 North. When the Buick entered the highway it struck a 2021 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck driven by Klayton Ryan Cassity, 31, causing damage to both vehicles.
Debris from the Dodge then struck and caused minor damage to a 2022 Nissan Altima driven by Heather Lynn Jolicoeur, 46.
No injuries were reported due to the crash, a citation was issued to Dunahoe for fail to yield right of way stop sign.
Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department and Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies assisted at the crash scene.
August 8, 2023 — Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the State Wildfire Preparedness Level to Level 4 due to the recent increase in wildfire activity across the state and the growing potential for wildfires to become more severe, making them harder to control.
“The decision to move to a Preparedness Level 4 indicates that the complexity of wildfires across Texas is increasing to where they require more time, personnel and equipment to contain and put out,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief.
This week, very high to extreme fire danger is forecast for broad regions of the state, including areas along the I-35 corridor between Dallas, Waco, Austin and San Antonio, and extending west to Abilene and Wichita Falls.
Regions with increased risk also include areas east of I-45 and south of I-20, near Jacksonville, Center, Lufkin, Crockett, Huntsville, Woodville, Cleveland, Kirbyville and Jasper.
Critical fire weather, characterized by increased wind speeds and triple-digit temperatures, will align with very dry vegetation to produce an environment with high potential for wildfires that are resistant to firefighters’ suppression efforts and may impact citizens within the identified areas of concern.
Over the past week, state and local firefighters have responded to 119 wildfires that burned 9,012 acres.
“I continue to be impressed by the dedication and selfless service of firefighters across the state,” said Moorehead. “Every single day, they work in some of the hottest and most challenging conditions. These responders do a tremendous job protecting lives and property from destructive wildfires.”
It is crucial that everyone in Texas take care to prevent wildfires and be cautious of any outdoor activity that may cause a spark. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
For more information about summer wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires/.
For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.
Denim Smith
August 7, 2023 - Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports that on July 27, 2023, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a shooting incident at a residence in Timpson.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement personnel, a 17-year-old male subject identified as Camo Morton was found deceased from an apparent gun shot wound.
An inquest was performed by Shelby County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Tracy Broadway and an autopsy was ordered. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Denim Smith, 18, of Timpson and a juvenile subject, both charged with murder.
Related article:
Law Enforcement Officials Investigate Shooting Incident on CR 4855
Severe Drought Conditions Continue
Sabine National Forest, Indian Mounds Wilderness
August 7, 2023 -- Wilderness areas are sensitive in nature with very specific tactics and strategies required when mitigating activity, such as a wildfire within its boundaries. Mechanical equipment and aircraft are not generally permitted in these areas as set forth by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Indian Mounds Wilderness became a Congressionally designated wilderness area in 1984 and is the third largest wilderness area in the state of Texas. Wilderness areas are designed to be left to natural process and generally free from active management.
The Hogpen Fire was started when a storm cell producing significant lightning came through the area. An air to ground strike caused the initial start and the Hogpen Fire began to grow in the wilderness. Suppression operations began on July 24 and as the acres continued to grow additional resources were ordered through Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TICC) dispatch. A Type 3 Incident Management Team was brought in to plan the best strategy for managing resources and the complexities presented by a fire in a Congressionally designated wilderness area. Aerial support was instrumental in the successful suppression of this fire. Bucket drops were conducted over the first two operational periods, stifling the attempted advances of the fire front. Natural barriers and travel ways were utilized to keep the fire from spreading and limit the impact to the wilderness.
Local USFS resources had previously been engaged in suppression activities days prior on two wilderness fires located on the Angelina/Sabine National Forest in the Upland Island Wilderness. Additional resources were a dire need to help support the local district’s suppression efforts with the new wilderness fire. Support poured in from across the nation to assist the Angelina/Sabine districts successfully contain the blaze. Crews responded from as far away as the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico.
The ongoing fire is currently 50% contained. With Texas facing severe drought conditions and no substantial rainfall expected in the forecast, our crews will continue to remain vigilant on this fire and available to provide support to our state and local partners as requested.
Current Hogpen Stats: 1,219 acres, no firefighters or citizens injured, no damage to property.
Resources: USFS - Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Puerto Rico.
Private Contractors: Florida and Kansas.
The Sabine National Forest would like to thank the Sabine County community, our local county government Judge Melton and Emergency Management official David Roach for their support and coordination efforts. Local businesses and the public have been supportive and shown appreciation for all the resources on this fire.
August 7, 2023 - Over the week of July 30th through August 5th the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department responded to 5 calls. Here’s a summary of the weeks events.
Sunday morning at 7:25am a call came in for an unresponsive person at a residence on County Road 3193. The JVFD medical team responded and discovered that the patient was deceased, and a funeral home was contacted. Members of the medical team assisted the funeral home personnel with loading the deceased person into the hearse.
Sunday evening at 5:11pm a page was received for a stab victim on County Road 3427. The medical team responded as well as Allegiance EMS to treat the patient’s wound which was found to be non-life threatening.
Wednesday night at 10:00pm the medical team would be dispatched to the Joaquin Apartments for a person who was believed to have gotten too hot. Allegiance EMS also responded.
Friday afternoon at 2:02pm a call came in for an SUV that had run off the road on Highway 84 East. The driver was not harmed, but the SUV had to be towed away.
Saturday morning at 11:11am the JVFD was dispatched to a brush fire near FM 3082. They responded with 3 brush trucks and an engine for extra water. The fire was severe enough that the Texas A&M Forest Service was called in and they took control of the scene. The fire was started from a downed power line.
With that, this edition of the report will come to a close. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hopes everyone has a great and safe week going forward.
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