Gregg County officials are urging drivers to steer clear of a serious incident on State Highway 31 Thursday morning. Sabine Fire & Rescue reported a vehicle collision that ignited a fire between Wildflower Road and FM 3053, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Emergency response and safety measures
Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after the crash was reported and began battling the blaze while simultaneously working to secure the roadway. Crews are employing standard safety protocols, including setting up traffic cones, directing motorists to alternate routes, and ensuring that emergency vehicles have clear passage.
Sabine Fire & Rescue spokesperson emphasized the importance of driver cooperation, stating, “We ask anyone who must travel through the area to slow down, use caution, move over for emergency vehicles, and stay off their phones while navigating the detour.” The agency also warned that the fire could reignite, so a continued presence of first‑responders is expected for the duration of the incident.
Impact on traffic
Due to the ongoing fire and the need to clear the wreckage, traffic on Highway 31 is expected to be significantly delayed for approximately two hours. Local commuters have reported backups extending several miles in both directions, with some drivers opting to use nearby side streets or alternate highways to avoid the congestion.
Gregg County Transportation officials have not announced any road closures beyond the immediate incident zone, but they advise motorists to monitor local radio and traffic apps for real‑time updates. The county’s public works department is prepared to reopen the lane as soon as the fire is fully extinguished and the roadway is deemed safe.
Community safety reminder
This incident underscores the importance of staying alert while traveling on Texas highways, especially during peak commuting hours. Residents are reminded to keep a safe following distance, obey posted speed limits, and avoid distractions such as mobile devices while driving.
Sabine Fire & Rescue also encourages anyone who witnesses a crash or fire to call 911 immediately and to provide clear details about the location, number of vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Prompt reporting helps first responders allocate resources more efficiently and can reduce the likelihood of secondary accidents.
Looking ahead
County officials will continue to assess the situation and will issue further guidance if the incident extends beyond the projected two‑hour window. In the meantime, drivers are urged to exercise patience, follow detour signs, and prioritize safety over speed.
For the latest information, residents can follow the Gregg County official Twitter feed or tune in to local radio stations that provide traffic updates throughout the day.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
