US: Officials order evacuations for portions of Texas as of early March 21 due to multiple wildfires /update 1

Event

Crews are working to contain multiple wildfires in Texas. Authorities declared disaster for 11 counties, including Brooks, Brown, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Grayson, Mason, Potter, Randall, Reynolds, and Williamson counties, March 18. Critical fire weather conditions remain across parts of the southern plains through at least March 22; red flag warnings are in place. Authorities warn that new significant wildfires are possible along and west of Interstate-35 due to the presence of dry fuel exposed to elevated or critical fire weather. The wildfires have destroyed at least 50 homes. Rainfall forecast from March 21 is likely to aid emergency personnel in containing the fires. As of late March 20, the following wildfires continue to cause evacuations and transport disruptions:

Eastland Complex
The Eastland Complex consists of multiple wildfires, including the Kidd Fire, and currently affects Eastland and Taylor counties. The complex is approximately 21,859 hectares (54,015 acres) in size and 30-percent contained. Authorities estimate that they will contain the fire by March 25. More than 403 emergency personnel are on site battling the blaze. Authorities have evacuated residents north of FM 2731 and CR 230. A central Texas sheriff's deputy died March 17 due to deteriorating conditions and low visibility from smoke while assisting evacuation efforts in Carbon. SH6 is closed from CR 154 to Spur 490.

Crews Gap Fire
The Crews Gap Fire is currently affecting Runnels and Coleman counties. The fire is approximately 3,277 hectares (8,100 acres) in size and is 90-percent contained. Reports indicate the destruction of multiple homes. Authorities evacuated the Glen Cove area of Coleman March 17; residents have since been allowed to return home.

Big L Fire
The Big L Fire is south of Lipan at FM 1189 and Boswell Ct. and is currently affecting Erath and Hood counties. The fire is approximately 2,428 hectares (6,000 acres) in size and is 5-percent contained. Authorities issued an evacuation order for the city of Lipan March 20, advising residents to evacuate in an easterly or westerly direction. Officials have since expanded evacuation orders to all residents north and northwest of FM 1189 and Boswell Ct. in Hood County and residents northeast of Bluff Dale along County Road 148 in Erath County. Additionally, authorities issued evacuation orders for residents near CR 114 and CR 117, north to northwest of Huckabay, due to a separate fire nearby. Emergency shelters are located at 1st Christian Church, First United Methodist Church, YMCA, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Camp Crucis in Hood County and Bluff Dale High School in Erath County. One firefighter was injured March 20 while fighting the blaze. Tolar Highway, Campbell Road, and US HWY 377 at the towns of Bluff Dale and Tolar are closed.

Ramsey Fire
The Ramsey Fire just north of Blanket to May is spreading northwards and is currently affecting Brown County. The fire is approximately 2,428 hectares (6,000 acres) in size and is 5-percent contained. The fire is forecast to cross US183 south of May. Authorities issued an evacuation order south of FM 1467, west of CR 417, north of CR 495 (north of May), and east of the Brown/Comanche County Line. FM 3100 is closed from FM 1467 to CR 153.

Wildfire
A wildfire along and just east of Lake Nocona near Oakshores Road and FM 2953 is currently affecting Montague County. The fire is likely to cross FM 2953 near Oakshores Road. Authorities have issued orders for residents north of FM 2953 near Oakshores Road to evacuate in an easterly or westerly direction.

Depending on the progression of the wildfire, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.

Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.