BELL COUNTY, Texas — A fast-moving wildfire scorched 193 acres in Bell County on Oct. 13, prompting a large-scale emergency response from agencies across Central Texas.

The Bell County Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:12 p.m. reporting heavy smoke near Salado. Fire crews from the Salado Fire District were first on scene and found a rapidly spreading wildfire burning through grass and brush.

“This was a very fast-moving fire, burned mainly grass and some brushy fuels,” Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson Kiley Moran said.

Due to shifting winds and dry conditions, the fire quickly grew to 193 acres.

Officials activated the East Side Strike Team, which includes fire departments from Bartlett, Holland, Little River-Academy, Rogers, Belton, Temple, Troy and Moffat. The Wes

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