Authorities Suspect Arson in Second Big Fire Off Hwy 103 East

Local fire departments were called out to a second wildfire on state Highway 103 east Tuesday, and fire investigators are suspicious.

They say the 78 acre fire could have been arson and they're investigating.

The wildfire that started Sunday in the same area off state 103 east also has been controlled, and officials don't expect it will flare up again or cause more problems.

This is happening even as the county and most of east Texas continue banning outdoor burning because of the extremely dry conditions. Angelina County has received less than an inch of rain since the beginning of March.

The burn ban means people are prohibited from any outdoor burning of trash, brush, trees, storm debris and construction materials.  Open campfires are prohibited, and smokers are urged to not throw cigarettes from their cars.  The burn ban is in place for the next seven days, but county commissioners will extend it for as long as the dry conditions continue.

via Second wildfire on Highway 103 east being investigated as arson - The Lufkin Daily News: Local & State.

County officials say anyone who is caught violating the burn ban will be prosecuted.