Just after 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the Callisburg Fire Department was dispatched to the area of FM 678 and East Highway 82 for multiple reports of a commercial building showing heavy smoke. Upon arrival, fire personnel encountered fire and heavy smoke showing from the exterior of a large hay storage facility at Southern Star Feeds.
Due to the size of the structure and volume of fuel, mutual aid was immediately requested. Responding departments included fire departments from Indian Creek, North Shore, Whitesboro and Gainesville as well as Cooke County EMS, Fire Marshal’s Office and Precinct 1 Commissioner’s Office.
They worked aggressively to contain the fire to the building of origin. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all agencies on scene, the fire did not spread to nearby buildings and no injuries were reported. The Callisburg Fire Department extends its sincere gratitude to their mutual-aid partners for their rapid response and assistance.
The fire involved a large amount of stored hay, causing the flames to continue burning in a controlled manner overnight. Motorists and residents in the area were warned about heavy smoke along FM 678 and Hwy. 82, and travelers were urged to use caution and reduce speed in the area.
The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Cooke County Fire Marshal’s Office.