Cass County ESD #3

08/27/2026

Today, at 4:17, we got toned out to a major crash on FM-3129 & CR-4798.
We would like to thank you for your patience because we had to completely close down FM-3129 for an extended period of time to allow the helicopter to land.

08/26/2026

Don’t underestimate the heat just because you think you’re “used to it.”

A flash drought is possible in the coming weeks. Flash droughts hit faster than normal droughts & are caused by extra high winds & temperatures with less-than-normal rainfall & cloud cover. Like flash flooding, they’re dangerous because we don’t have a lot of time to prepare, so start now.

Three of the biggest threats based on current conditions are:
-increased risk of significant fires
-health issues due to the heat
-crop & pasture losses

Please, PLEASE take extra precautions outdoors to stay cool, limit your sun exposure, & drink more water / electrolytes.

Check on your neighbors & loved ones who have preexisting health conditions or are elderly / disabled.

Don’t burn anything.
Don’t cook outside.
Don’t set off fireworks.
Don’t park on dry grass.
Don’t do anything that could throw sparks or start a fire.
Don’t put cigarette butts on the ground or in the trash — use a water bottle with a small amount of water in it to make sure that they can’t reignite.

Call 911 if you see any illegal burning, & don’t wait for it to get out of control first. The earlier we catch it, the safer it is for everyone involved — responders & residents alike.

We know that burn bans are no fun. Just trust us when we say that a burn ban is better than the alternative. Keep our community & responders safe by being smart & taking extra care.

Thank you

08/25/2026

The amount of active wildfires in the right now is concerning. With many places in or near drought conditions these fires have little to stop them from quickly growing.

08/25/2026

The Burn Ban has been extended for another 30 days.

08/19/2026

At 2:46 this afternoon, we got toned out to assist Brightstar and Doddridge on a large grass fire with structures endangered.
We arrived and saw they were able to save the house and we got assigned to the adjacent field where the tall brush was on fire and moving pretty fast. After about 2 hours, we got the fire knocked out and the Forestry Service finished the plow line aid the perimeter of the fire.
Sorry I didn't get any pictures but it was fast paced!
We were cleared at 5:15 and headed back to Cass County.

08/17/2026

Cass county is now under a burn ban

08/15/2026

08/12/2026

Please.... don't burn anything outdoors!

08/10/2026

At 3:20, We got toned for mutual aid to Linden VFD for a structure fire on FM-125 caused by a window unit that spread to the attic.
The owners were out of town and there were no occupants in the house.
We took Tanker 51 along with the new Brush 51.
By the time we arrived, the fire was almost put out and we were needed to supply water and manpower.
We were back in service around 5 oclock.