Fireworks to blame for Lumberton grassfire

LUMBERTON -- Fire investigators say fireworks are to blame for a grass fire off Highway 69 near Wheeler Road.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at about 3 p.m. Sunday, which flared up again at about 9 p.m. They found a chair close to where the fire had started as well as fireworks that had been set lit. No one was injured.

Investigators are calling the fire accidental, but said the person responsible for the blaze did not report it. Assistant Fire Marshal Jimmie Martinez said if firefighters had not arrived, the fire could have spread to nearby businesses.

"We need people to be safe. If you have left over fireworks from the Fourth of July be careful when you fire them off," Martinez said.

Authorities are asking residents with information about the fire to call the Lumberton Fire and EMS, (409)755-6031.