Fire near Lufkin Industrial Park reaches 7-10 acres in size, part of Hwy 842 still closed

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - A Lufkin field is the scene of a fire on Thursday afternoon. The grass fire is located along East Park Avenue near an industrial park. Lufkin Police Department said that FM 842 will be shut down from the intersection of Hwy 103 east to Moffett Road due to the fire. Lufkin Communications Director Jessica Pebsworth said that the fire was estimated to be seven to 10 acres in size. As of 4:08 p.m., it was contained, she said. The cause of the fire is not known yet, but she stressed that it is important for all East Texans to remember that discarded cigarette butts can start fires, as can tow chains dragging along the roads. The fire did get within feet of some houses along Hwy 103 east, but it was quickly contained so none of the structures were affected. Lufkin Fire Department has been assisted by the Texas Forest Service and various volunteer agencies from around the area.