Strong wind gusts, drought conditions and extreme temperatures have sparked various wildfires in Texas, including one that destroyed approximately 30 buildings and burned more than 9.000 acres, according to authorities on Thursday.
A Taylor County forest fire just off I-20 between Dallas and Midland, home to Abilene shows ‘extreme fire behavior’, according to a tweet by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Coconut Fire in Wilbarger County has scorched an estimated 25.000 acres and was 20 percent contained by Thursday morning.
The Texas A&M Forest Service on May 18 released a video from the Mesquite Heat Fire showing a huge blaze and strong winds sending plumes of smoke swirling over the area.
Firefighters suffered burns as they fought the fire on Tuesday.
Update 6 : 18 p.m.: The Taylor County Fire Department has urged those living in our adjacent Highway 277 neighborhood to evacuate now because the blaze engulfed our homes.
Yesterday, Texas A&M Forest Service responded to 4 new wildfires for 4,445 acres burned and continued work on carryover fires from 5/17. Fire crews are currently working 9 active fires, including the #CoconuteFire, #MesquiteHeatFire, #DryBranchFire, and #SandstoneMountainFire. pic.twitter.com/wEIyZVT8R0
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) May 19, 2022
Yesterday, Texas A&M Forest Service fire resources responded to 4 wildfires for 10,610 acres burned.
Be wildfire aware as hot, dry conditions persist!
🎥Extreme fire behavior observed on the Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County on May 18, 2022. Credit: Texas A&M Forest Service. pic.twitter.com/c7UJ2jYecG
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) May 18, 2022
Update: the #MesquiteHeatFire in Taylor County is an estimated 5,000 acres and 5% contained. The fire made a major push to the east, crossing HWY 277. Crews are focused on operations related to life safety, structure protection, and fireline creation where possible. #txfire pic.twitter.com/WH4xfUr3nn
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) May 19, 2022
Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 5 due to a significant increase in fire activity, potential for large fires that are resistant to control and the increased commitment of resources.
Read more: https://t.co/5BKTz3d3Zr pic.twitter.com/3gBnjV94jH
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) May 19, 2022
Update: the #MesquiteHeatFire in Taylor County is an estimated 9,613 acres and 5% contained. Aircraft are working to reinforce fuel breaks between the fire and values at risk. Aircraft are also supporting ground crews with line construction. #txfire
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) May 19, 2022
