Quick response saves ranch from fire

Cross Oak Ranch—My family has lived at Cross Oak Ranch for over 19 years. Throughout the years we have raised cattle, horses, and hay on our 80-acre ranch.

Every year without exception there are a number of trees and limbs that fall, are blown, or are cut down. All this debris is transported and piled up in preparation for burning.

Normally, the burn piles are ignited in the spring when the grass is green, after a rain, when the humidity is high, and the forecasted wind speed is low. If you are a rancher, you get the concept. This year, burning was delayed, which caused a massive accumulation. Conditions on Aug. 7, 2025, seemed optimal.

I had two burn piles, and both were ignited at daybreak. In about three hours the piles had burned to the ground with a number of large logs still simmering. I used my tractor’s front-end loader to push the simmering logs to the middle of the burn pile. All was well, or so I thought.

I went across the pasture to the house to grab a quick lunch. As I stepped out of the house to check on the fire, all I saw was white smoke coming from the direction of the pile. Instant panic! Immediately I headed that direction in my ATV. 

The fire had extended beyond the burn pile, and the pasture was on fire. By this time, the wind had increased significantly and was fueling the movement of the fire. Although the green grass slowed the fire somewhat, the dead undergrowth fueled the fire. 

For a very brief moment my ego said, “I’ve got a hose and water. I can put this out.” Thank God reason won out. I called 911, and they said help was on the way.

I resumed putting water on the flames when suddenly I realized I needed to open the gate so the fire department could get into the pasture. By the time I got back to the fire, the wind was getting stronger and had shifted the flames toward the woods. 

As I stood there spraying water to try and protect the woods, I realized I was at the full length of the water hose. My efforts suddenly felt helpless and useless against a raging fire. I began repeating over and over, “God help me.”

In a few minutes I heard the awesome sound of sirens blaring. Two Lindale fire trucks were speeding through my pasture toward the fire. Immediately, two firemen from each truck began extinguishing the fire. The flames were about 15 feet from the edge of the woods on my property.

As the firemen worked diligently, I began to ponder what an incredible blessing had just taken place. Like the words of a popular Gospel song, “I sought the Lord, and He heard and answered.” He answered by sending four of Lindale Fire Department’s finest, Brad Brown, Zack Hawkins, Wyatt Parker, and Cameron Carol.

It is with deep gratitude that I thank the Lord, these men, and the Lindale Fire Department for saving Cross Oak Ranch. Praise the Lord!