***UPDATED*** Large Brush Fire(s) Disturbed the New Years Eve Celebration in Rodeo Palms Last Night Caused by Arson

***UPDATE*** The City of Manvel Fire Marshal has determined the fire was criminal and caused by arson. A total of nine piles of trees were set ablaze and the ones closest to the houses were actively extinguished. The Fire Marshal is looking for anyone who could have information about this fire to call 1-877-4 FIRE 45 or email at firemarshal@cityofmanvel.com.

Just after 7:30 pm last night the Manvel Volunteer Fire Dept was dispatched to a report of fire in the Rodeo Palms Blvd and Rodeo Palms Pkwy area just west of SH 288. Initially the fire was so large that it appeared the water treatment plant was burning.  It was quickly realized that at least two large sections of brush were burning right behind a row of houses next to the water treatment plant.  The Manvel Fire Marshal was dispatched to investigate the cause of the fire as there were early speculations that fireworks were the source.  Pearland Fire Department joined the fire suppression effort as they were requested for mutual aid.  They supplied an Engine and a Brush truck along with man power.  Fortunately, the winds were quiet last night which helped slow the fire from spreading too fast.  Night time brush fires are always a lot trickier to deal with as it is imperious for the firefighters to walk around in the without seeing too well where they are putting their feet and on what.  The whole operation took almost 3 hours before every apparatus went back in service.