Brewster County grassfire

Forestry workers and firefighters had nearly contained a large grassfire that threatened several nearby homes south of Alpine by Wednesday afternoon, Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson said.

Dodson said the fire had burned a total of about 600 acres by late Wednesday. The fire destroyed several power lines and cut power to some Alpine-area residents, but no other property was damaged, Dodson said. He said electric crews were repairing the power lines while firefighters were still going after several hotspots.

The Texas Forest Service reported that as many as 150 homes were threatened in two subdivisions. Air tankers and bulldozers were used to help put out the fire.

A news release from the forest service said an individual using a propane torch started the fire.
By Doug Carman, The Odessa American