KAUFMAN (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Authorities in Kaufman County are searching for the driver who left a path of destruction over the weekend.
He’s accused of towing a burning trailer along county roads 151 and 151A, just east of Kaufman, which sparked three separate fires on Sunday.
Witnesses reported that the driver ditched the burning trailer on a nearby bridge and took off.
Kaufman County Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Howie said it was an act of gross negligence.
“If your trailer is on fire all you have to do is stop and the fire department would have been there quickly to put it out. It was totally irresponsible to drive down the road with a burning trailer. With this heat and dry conditions, all it’s going to take is one single spark to ignite a grass fire that could take homes and lives,” he said.
Nine homes had to be evacuated as a precaution. One structure and part of a mobile home were destroyed. No one was injured.
The driver could face possible criminal charges. Kaufman County is currently under a disaster declaration act due to the high wildfire conditions.
Under that, Howie said the driver could face up to a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail.
The Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact Fire Marshal Paul Ayres at 469-376-4110.
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