A rocket exploded during testing at the Firefly Aerospace facility in Briggs on Sept. 29. While a large fiery plume could be seen in the sky, damage was minimal and no injuries were reported. A small grassfire sparked by the explosion was contained to the space company’s testing and manufacturing site, located in northeast Burnet County.

The explosion happened early Monday afternoon, according to Burnet County Emergency Management Coordinator Derek Marchio, who briefed the Commissioners Court on the matter during its Tuesday meeting.

“The mishap at the rocket test at 12:30 (p.m.) at Firefly resulted in a small wildland fire that was easily contained,” Marchio said. “The fire did not leave the property.”

He said the blaze only burned less than an acre due to Firefly keeping grass and b

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