Firefighters from across Brown County along with Mills County fire departments fought a wildfire that started mid-afternoon Tuesday just southeast of Zephyr between Hwy 183 and FM 218. Although the town of Zephyr was not immediately threatened, several homes outside of town were evacuated while firefighters put out the blaze.
The Texas Forest Service was called to assist in fighting the fire as high winds and dry conditions caused the flames to spread rapidly. As the winds died down on Tuesday evening, firefighters were able to get the fire mostly contained and many homeowners were allowed to return home. As of Tuesday evening, many of the area fire departments were released from the fire as some units stayed behind to work on hot-spots and monitor the situation.
The Texas Forest Service estimates that 300 acres burned during in this fire and threatened about a dozen structures. Local officials indicate no structure losses, but are still assessing the area.
Marq Webb of the Texas Forest Service said, “TFS resources have pulled off the fire for rest and will return to the fire in the morning. The cause of the fire has not been determined and is under investigation.”
Also on Tuesday, fire crews were called to a large grass fire on Hwy 279 that was near the Thrifty turn off and “moving fast”. This fire was extinguished by late afternoon.
Texas Forest Service reports that they responded to 23 on new fires statewide on Monday for 12,726 acres. They continue to work on 10 large fires totaling over 530,000 acres across Texas.
Texas Forest Service managed out of Merkel by the Texas Lone Star Incident Management Team has had 3 requests so far today for assistance from local fire departments.
Top Photo: A home near Zephyr avoids damage as a volunteer firetruck stands watch
Charred soil near Zephyr off of Hwy 183.
Texas Forest Service offered support from the air
The sun near Zephyr Tuesday evening puts on a show with a halo of smoke that filled the air