Grassfire Shuts Down FM 344 in Smith County

No structures damaged as crews battle blaze near Brookshire's

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:36am

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Fire crews in Smith County, Texas are responding to a grassfire on FM 344 at the intersection with Highway 155, near a Brookshire's grocery store. The eastbound lane of FM 344 has been shut down as firefighters work to contain the blaze, which has not damaged any structures so far. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the Smith County Fire Marshal has reminded residents that the county remains under a burn ban.

Why it matters

Grassfires can quickly spread and pose a serious threat to nearby homes and businesses, especially in dry conditions. The response from local fire crews is crucial to preventing further damage and ensuring public safety in the area.

The details

Firefighters have shut down the eastbound lane of FM 344 as they battle the grassfire, which is located near a Brookshire's grocery store. No structures have been damaged so far, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Smith County Fire Marshal has reminded residents that the county remains under a burn ban, which likely contributed to the rapid spread of the grassfire.

  • The fire was first reported on March 17, 2026 around 3:36 AM.

The players

Smith County Fire Marshal

The local fire authority responsible for investigating the cause of the grassfire and enforcing the county's burn ban.

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What’s next

The Smith County Fire Marshal will continue investigating the cause of the grassfire and determine if any charges will be filed related to the burn ban violation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of heeding burn bans and fire safety precautions, especially in dry conditions, to prevent dangerous grassfires from spreading and threatening nearby homes and businesses.