Yellow House River Fire Update #2
On August 21st, 2024, just after 3:30pm, Lubbock Fire Rescue received numerous 911 reports of a field on fire near the intersection of East 50th Street & East Loop 289. Quint 10, Engine 5, Brush 5, and Engine 1 were dispatched. Quint 10 arrived on scene to a large field on fire. Due to the dry ground conditions, wind, and difficulty accessing the fire, additional units were requested from both Lubbock Fire Rescue, Lubbock Public Works, Lubbock County, and Texas A&M Forest Service.
Thanks to the collaborating efforts of all agencies involved, fire breaks were put into place leaving the fire 100% contained and approximately 5 acres of damage. However, the site continues to exhibit smoke, as this field was an old dumpsite for debris from the 1970 tornado in Lubbock, Texas and underground materials continue to burn. Crews from Lubbock Fire Rescue have been assigned and will continue to be assigned to this site 24/7 to monitor for the foreseeable future.
The City of Lubbock Public Works department is developing a plan to install a dirt cap on this site in attempt to eliminate the smoke.
The health & safety of our residents remains our top priority as smoke from the underground fire is still visible and can be noticed in the surrounding areas. The City of Lubbock Environmental Health Department has notified The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and will be working closely with them on any environmental health concerns.
Future updates will be made as available.
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