Lightning suspected in Marquez fire

Massive flames lit the countryside as the GSI salt water disposal facility burned after a suspected lightning strike. A Round Prairie firefighterstands watch. Paul’s Photos Six volunteer fire departments in addition to the Jewett Emergency Medical Services, Leon County Sheriff’s office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, responded to a call from the Marquez Salt Water Treatment Plant. On August 26, 2009 at 5:30 p.m., workers at the treatment plant on Highway 7, two miles west of Marquez, called 911 and reported a fire.

Leon Sheriff Jerry Wakefield suspects lightning struck a 2000 barrel tank battery which instantly erupted into flames because of the small amount of oil inside the tank.

There were no reports of injuries and the cost of the damage is not known at this time. The fire was contained and units were released at 9:05 p.m.

GSI Oil & Gas, Bryan, owns the salt water disposal facility.

Volunteer fire fighters who responded to the call were: Jewett VFD, Sealy- Round Prairie VFD, Hilltop Lakes VFD, Centerville VFD, Buffalo VFD, and Flynn VFD.