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.
An estimated 125 acres burned, according to Texas Forest Service officials that were on scene.
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.
“Crews were awesome in their response and tactics on scene, using natural barriers and strategy to flank the fire and keep it contained to one hay field and one grazing pasture,” said Ponder Fire Chief James Longbrake.
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.
Highland Village FD and Lake Cities FD also sent units to help cover the Justin Fire Station while Justin FD helped fight the grass fire.
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.
