Multiple grass fires near Chico Elementary School prompt evacuations

CHICO, Texas - Students in the Chico Independent School District were forced to evacuate on Wednesday because of a grass fire that threatened the elementary school.

What we know:

Video shared with FOX 4 shows flames just across the street from the Chico Elementary School field.

As of 2:18 p.m., Chico ISD confirmed the fire directly on the school property was out. 

Images from SKY 4 showed fire trucks continuing to spray water on the campus at 3 p.m. The grass near the school's parking lot appeared to be scorched.

Students were being held in the Chico High School gym with their teachers as a precaution and due to fears that the smoke would enter the school's HVAC system. 

The district said all students are safe and accounted for. Students were seen walking back towards the elementary school around 3:20 p.m.

At approximately 5:20 p.m., a second fire broke out near the elementary school, but crews were able to quickly get the flames under control.

All activities at Chico High School have been postponed as first responders work to put out the fire.

First responders from Chico, Bridgeport, Crafton, Lake Bridgeport, Sand Flat, Alvord, and Sunset have been seen putting out the flames.

What we don't know:

The cause of the fire is unknown.

What they're saying:

Chico ISD's superintendent sent out the following statement regarding the first grass fire:

"I am extremely proud of the quick response by our CES team to evacuate the building in 3 minutes. They prioritized our kids' safety and went into action. Support came from all over Wise County to aide us in our time of need and I am extremely grateful. We will be starting a water and sports drink drive tomorrow for our emergency responders. We want to give back to them and thank them for coming to our rescue today. Follow our Facebook page to find out how you can donate to these exceptional individuals."

Jimmy Counts, who works with Wise County Emergency Services District #4, says the the huge response helped in getting the flames under control quickly.

"As soon as it got to the tree line and all the vegetation, the flames went up from what I'm told and it did jump. But once it got in the mowed grass, it slowed down," Counts told FOX 4's Amelia Jones.

"They had it tamped down pretty quick, but you know, you still have mop up and everything so. The initial fire was under control, fairly quick."

Wise County Burn Ban

Wise County is under a burn ban as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has been without rain for nearly a month.

An elevated fire threat has been issued for parts of North Texas on Thursday and Friday.

What's next:

The Wise County Fire Marshal says it is investigating the cause fo the fire.

Chico ISD plans to hold a water and sports drink donation drive to give back to first responders who helped put out the fire.