Watch: Huge fire burns in Johnson County as tornado approaches firefighters

Firefighters from multiple North Texas departments who responded to help put out a massive fire at a pallet storage facility in Johnson County ended up having to take cover as a tornado approached.

The fire, believed to be sparked by lightning, started about 10 p.m. Monday in the 2400 block of Luisa Lane, northeast of Alvarado and south of Lillian, according to an Instagram post by the Rendon Fire Department.

The first arriving units from the Alvarado Fire Department “reported a large pile of wood pallets on fire with multiple exposures to adjacent structures, and requested multiple additional resources,” the post said.

“While resources were being allocated, Johnson County Fire Dispatch also advised that a severe storm was moving into the county with the possibility of tornadoes,” the post continued. “Because of this, a number of fire units had to divert from this incident back to their respective districts in anticipation for storm damage.”

Fire crews reported that propane tanks exploded, sending shrapnel in all directions. Several nearby homes were evacuated, firefighter said.

Shortly after Rendon firefighters arrived, the post said, “a confirmed tornado touched down in the immediate vicinity of this incident. Johnson County Fire Dispatch sounded an emergency alert and advised all crews operating to seek shelter.

“Ultimately this incident grew to 4 alarms, bringing units from Ellis, Tarrant, and the majority of Johnson County,” the Tuesday post said. “Thankfully there were no reported injuries related to the fire. Crews will remain on scene throughout the day as they continue to overhaul and mop up.

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 1:15 PM.