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'Fast-moving' fire in WilCo 100 percent contained

A fast-moving fire in Williamson County forced evacuations.

A fast-moving fire in Williamson County that burned through 100 to 125 acres and forced evacuations near County Road 220 Sunday afternoon is now completely contained, according to Chief Robert Shelton of the Florence Vol. Fire Department.

Officials said the Florence Fire Department and Williamson County Sheriff's Office moved quickly throughout the area to evacuate 15 to 20 homes. The blaze took approximately four hours to fight and multiple agencies, including Bell County and Burnet County crews, were called in to assist.

At 3:14 p.m., Sheriff Robert Chody said there hadn't been any damage to homes on County Road 220 and State Highway 138.

Chief Shelton said some residents helped guard their homes by keeping the ground wet with garden hoses.

Florence County resident, Richard Harding, said he was on his way home when he first spotted the flames.

“The flames were intense. Florence fire department, they were extinguishing the fire pretty quick. They were doing a good job, but I had to do my part,” said Harding, explaining why he helped douse the grounds with water while waiting for firefighters to arrive. “I live here. I’m no longer a city slicker; I’m a country boy, and it felt good to do something for the county I live in.”

Harding said he is an army veteran and used firefighting training he learned while serving to help protect his neighbors.

Officials said both wind and recent dry weather played a role in how quickly the fire spread. They also said the land was unkempt with high grass, which also allowed for the flames to move quickly.

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