Disaster declaration signed as raging wildfires burn across 11 Texas counties
According to the NWS, western and central Texas remain under an elevated fire risk due to high winds, low humidity and drought conditions
Eastland Complex wildfire is largest in Texas history
FOX Weather's Hunter Davis provides new updates Saturday morning from Eastland, Texas.
EASTLAND, Texas – The governor of Texas has issued a disaster declaration for 11 counties in response to wildfire activity throughout several communities.
Emergency managers ordered mandatory evacuations for Bluff Dale in Erath County and Lipan in Hood County. The Big L Fire has so far burned 3,000 acres but is only 5% contained.
Evacuations for the deadly Eastland Complex fire have been dropped, but the fire is still only 30% contained and has already burned 54,015 acres. The fire claimed the life of a deputy and destroyed over 50 homes.
(FOX Weather)
Flags were lowered to half-staff in Eastland County in honor of Deputy Barbara Fenley, who lost her life while trying to save others from the fires.
"We will never forget her sacrifice, and the state will continue to work closely with first responders and local leaders to mitigate these fires and support our communities as they recover," Gov. Greg Abbott said.
DEPUTY KILLED WHILE TRYING TO SAVE PEOPLE FROM TEXAS BRUSH FIRES
Deputy killed while trying to save people from Texas brush fires
Authorities announced Friday an Eastland County deputy was killed when trying to guide people to safety ahead of fast-moving brush fires across The Lone Star State. Police believe Deputy Barbara Fenley lost control of her vehicle in the thick smoke while checking on the elderly in Carbon, Texas and was overcome by flames.
Four fires that started over Wednesday and Thursday – the Walling, Wheat Field, Kidd and Oak Mott fires – were combined for management purposes into the Eastland Complex, according to Texas A&M Forest Service. Three more fires broke out on Sunday adding to the complex; Blowing Basin, Cedar Mountain and Magnum.
Eastland Complex Fire:
- Kidd Fire – 42,333 acres burned 40% contained
- Blowing Basin Fire – 258 acres burned, 50% contained
- Cedar Mountain Fire - 250 acres burned, 0% contained
- Oak Mott Fire – 4,031 acres burned, 75% contained
- Wheat Field Fire – 7,268 acres burned, 55% contained
- Magnum Fire – 11 acres burned, 85% contained
- Walling Fire – 383 acres burned, 100% contained
Abbot has also waived vehicle size, weight and permitting requirements to make sure farmers and ranchers can get hay and feed to their livestock and other supplies can get to those who need it most. Click here for a full list of state resources.
Firefighters battle group of wildfires in Eastland County, Texas
Firefighters battled a group of wildfires in Eastland County, Texas, as officials said on March 19 that the blaze had grown to over 45,000 acres and was just 15% contained. Tyler Schaffner said he recorded this video between Eastland city and Desdemona at around 9 p.m. on March 18.
Texans affected by the fires are seeking shelter at a handful of churches and community centers in Eastland, Gorman and Cisco. Hay and feed, as well as a temporary animal shelter, have also been provided at the Texas Cattle Exchange in Eastland.
TEXAS WILDFIRES DESTROY BUILDINGS, SEND RANCHERS SCRAMBLING TO SAVE CATTLE
In addition to some Eastland County residents losing their homes, some historic buildings, like a church in Ranger, were destroyed by the fires, the Texas A&M Forest Service said.
Earlier this week, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate the State Emergency Operations Center and increase resources to respond to elevated and critical risks for wildfires in Texas.
AT LEAST 50 HOMES DESTROYED AFTER WIND-DRIVEN FIRES ERUPT IN TEXAS
According to the National Weather Service, western and central Texas remain under an elevated fire risk due to high winds, low humidity and drought conditions.
Firefighters are battling more fires statewide.
Latest on more Texas wildfires:
- Sunday Late Fire – 400 acres burned 95% contained in Live Oak County
- Wells 2 Fire – 300 acres burned, 60% contained in Archer County
- Three Sections Fire – 300 acres burned, 80% contained in McMullen County
- Ramsey Fire – 800 acres burned, 0% contained in Brown County
- Nocona Hills Fire – 640 acres burned, 0% contained
Texans are encouraged to remain weather-aware and practice wildfire safety, particularly in areas where burn bans are active, to keep their communities safe.
Gusty winds fuel deadly Texas wildfires
Crews are still fighting to contain multiple wildfires in Texas. The fast-moving flames have scorched 45,000 acres, destroying 50 homes and prompting evacuations. FOX Weather’s Hunter Davis is live from Eastland, Texas.