Area VFDs respond to fire at LP plant
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

East End Volunteer Fire Department called in support from every local VFD as a precaution for a fire at the LP plant on U.S. Highway 190 East about 11 p.m. Friday, June 29, according to East End Fire Chief Bob Gary.

Units from East End, Jasper, Tri-Community, Angelina River, Lake Rayburn and Kirbyville responded to the LP fire.

Units from Pineland reported to Jasper and stood by to cover the area should any other fires occur.

"The fire was in the rear of the building," Gary said. "It wasn't a lot of structure damage, but the blender equipment and chip bins were involved."

Gary said the heat in the buildings and having to pull hose up three flights of stairs took a toll on firefighters.

"We set up a rehab area outside," Gary said, "So our fireman could recover."

They worked in shifts until "just about daylight," about 6 a.m. before the fire was out. Gary said, "We went through a lot of air and a lot of water, but there were no injuries."

Monday morning LP officials were still assessing the damage.

Jasper Fire Marshal Stephen Williamson said this fire again highlights the need for more volunteer firefighters.

"Unfortunately people don't think about it until they go through a fire themselves," Williamson said. "Then when they realize the toll it takes on firefighters and how many are needed, they become volunteers because they see the need. We just need more men and women to step forward and volunteer."