TPWD Promises Answers After Controlled Burn Sparks Wildfire

(Bastrop, TX) — Texas Parks & Wildlife is promising to get answers as quickly as possible after a Central Texas controlled burn ended up getting out of control.

Executive Director Carter Smith says the focus is making sure the Rolling Pines Fire burning in Bastrop County is put out before the investigation really ramps up. A certified burn boss is supposed to look at weather conditions and talk with experts from other agencies before the start of a controlled burn. Smith defended the burn boss’ decision making before noting no one knows exactly what happened before flames started Tuesday.

Smith notes sometimes prescribed burns get out of control but believes they’re a great tool to mitigate further wildfire risk.