Firefighters flocked to Ponder Sunday evening after a large grass fire broke out in the small town.
The Ponder Volunteer Fire Department and other crews dispatched to a grass fire near January Lane and Schluter Road shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday.
According to a post from Ponder VFD, the blaze was stopped from progressing and considered contained around 6 p.m., but crews continued to tend to any remaining spots around the scene with flames or smoke.
The Flower Mound Fire Department and Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 and 2 both sent several units out to the scene to provide mutual aid.
Ponder is outside of the area protected by both Flower Mound PD and Denton County ESD No. 1 and 2, but departments often help where they can in times of emergency.
According to officials, the Sunday evening blaze quickly grew into a three-alarm fire and spread.
The fire is part of a trend during the dry and hot conditions of a brutal 2026 Texas summer.
Local crews have responded to grass fires like the one in Ponder and a soon-to-be-developed piece of land in Argyle, structure fires like those responded to by Flower Mound FD and at a new restaurant in Argyle, and a vehicle fires like the one Lewisville FD responded to last week.
Denton County ESD No. 1 and 2 offered some tips to help prevent wildfires while dry and hot conditions persist in southern Denton County.
Please help prevent wildfires by:
• Do not burn outdoors or start open flames.
• Avoid activities that can create sparks, including welding and grinding.
• Never throw cigarettes or other burning materials from a vehicle.
• Secure trailer chains and make sure vehicles are not dragging metal on the roadway.
• Keep vehicles and equipment away from dry grass whenever possible.
• If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately and provide the location as accurately as possible.
“One spark can turn into a 20-acre fire,” said the department. “Please help us protect our community and our firefighters.”
While responding to a house fire in Lewisville in early August, the city’s fire department was able to locate and rescue a dog from the burning house. Crews resuscitated the dog and helped it get to a proper rehabilitation facility.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
