Tarkington firefighters spent all their Labor Day holiday battling the largest forest fire in TVFD history. The blaze was started by a lightning strike on Friday, September 1st. Initially contained, high winds and dry conditions brought on by weeks without measurable rain caused the fire to jump the containment lines around noon on Saturday. This would be a pattern that would be repeated in the next few days. Eventually, the fire would burn approximately 4,500 acres and threaten ninety homes in the Chapparal Ranch addition. Except for a few camp trailers, no structures were lost. Over 60 area departments and agencies responded to this blaze. Tarkington VFD would like to extend our thanks to everyone who responded.