Barn fire blamed on fireworks

From Fire Marshal Dan Shook

  • Fire Marshal Dan Shook Firefighters battle a barn fire caused by fireworks on New Year’s Eve near Van Vleck.
    Fire Marshal Dan Shook Firefighters battle a barn fire caused by fireworks on New Year’s Eve near Van Vleck.

       A barn fire blamed on fireworks not only heavily damaged the structure but the flames also destroyed a boat on a trailer, UTV and water well equipment at about 11:13 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, reports show.
       The Bay City Volunteer Fire Department, Van Vleck Volunteer Fire Department, and the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Department were sent to the barn fire at 570 FM 1728.  
       When Assistant Chief Mike Coppock arrived on scene, he was told by the owner they had put discharged fireworks containers inside the bed of their UTV (side-by-side). 
       The UTV was parked under the lean-to portion of the barn.  
       A short time later, they observed flames coming from the roof. 
       The owner attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, but was unsuccessful. 
       The fire department extinguished the fire and remained on scene for about two hours. 
       The damage was estimated to be about $100,000 between the barn and contents. 
       A boat on a trailer and the UTV were consumed in the fire. 
       In addition, the water well equipment was destroyed in the fire. 
       The owner was evaluated by EMS on scene for burns to his hands. 
       One firefighter was also evaluated by EMS for a bee sting. 
       No one was transported to the hospital during this event. 
       Fireworks caused 
    dumpster fire
       Bay City Volunteer Fire Department and Bay City Police Department were sent to 800 Ave F for a dumpster fire at about 9:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1.
       The Fire Marshal was out of town at the time of the fire but investigated it the week of Jan. 8. 
       Witnesses identified that juveniles playing with fireworks caused the dumpster fire. 
       No one was hurt during this fire.
       The fire marshal wants to remind residents that fireworks inside the city limits are illegal.  
       Although fireworks are legal outside the city limits, manufacturer recommendations on the use and disposal of fireworks must be followed. 
       Never allow juveniles to use fireworks without direct adult supervision. 
       Keep a water hose or bucket of water close by to soak the debris after discharging the fireworks. 
       Only use fireworks in a safe area away from combustible material. Be courteous of neighbors when discharging fireworks.