LORENA, Texas — A pet is dead and one home and multiple vehicles have burned in a fire near Lorena, Texas, according to authorities.
According to Lorena Fire Chief Derek Roper, the fire began in the 2900 block of Levi Parkway around 1:03 p.m. on Sept. 5 and is now 90% contained.
The fire reportedly began as a grass fire threatening structures, until it spread to one of the structures, which was eventually engulfed. Large, black plumes of smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away.
"Anytime that a home burns and things around the home, you're gonna see a lot of that thick black smoke from all those inorganic things like plastic and roofing materials," said Kiley Moran with Texas A&M Forest Service. "Anything like that is going to produce that thick black smoke. Most of the vegetation will usually produce a white or gray smoke."
The fire was described by the Waco Fire Department, who also assisted, as a "brush and structure fire", which has reportedly burned a total of 11 acres.
Roper said one home damaged by the fire is a complete loss, and another vacant house has only some damage. A pet was also reportedly killed in the fire.
In addition to the home, multiple cars and an RV were also reportedly burned in the fire.
Oncor also showed that around 200 people in the area had been left without power after the fire damaged utility poles. Power has since been restored as of 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Some residents in the Levi Pkwy area said they believed the grass fire was started because of downed power lines. Authorities could not confirm that to 6 News and said it's still under investigation.
"I cannot confirm that there was a downed power line before the fire," Moran said. "There are some downed power lines now because those telephone poles were burned."
At the time of writing, Levi Pkwy remains closed.
Roper said the Red Cross has been notified for the family that lost their home. Roper said the family does have a place to stay.
A 6 News viewer sent in pictures of the fire:
Story continues below
A&M Forest Service also reportedly assisted and conducted water drops at the fire.
Moran said brush fires locally have been more manageable after recent rain, but that's about to change.
"Now we're starting to see things really dry out again and that's why we're seeing fires that are a little bit more resistant control now," Moran explained.
The Texas A&M Forest Service wants to remind everyone to do their part as Tuesday's fire serves as a reminder on how quickly things can take a turn.
"Take extreme caution and everything they do outside just the little little everyday things that we do can now start fires when it's this dry. "
More from 6 News: