WEATHER WIRE: Brush fires erupt in Texas, force evacuations
Strong winds are fanning flames of several wildfires across Texas. Areas near Abilene and west of Fort Worth are under evacuation orders.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Texas A&M Forest Service
The Texas A&M Forest Service says they have made significant progress on the Crews Gap fire burning along the Runnels-Coleman County line.
At last check more the 7,000 acres burned and crews believe they have the fire 95 percent contained.
Evacuation notices around Glen Cove are expected to be lifted.
Officials said no homes were destroyed by the blaze.
Wind Advisories
The Texas A&M Forest Service says the fire near the town of Holliday moved quickly because of high winds. Firefighters said the 30+ acre fire threatened at least one home and three outbuildings.
Winds gusted upwards of 40 mph on Thursday and a Wind Advisory is in effect for most of The Lone Star State through Friday morning.
Eastland County Today Newspaper Staff
Firefighters say multiple wildfires near Eastland, Texas are now being called the Eastland Complex.
Numerous teams continue to fight the fires which have consumed nearly 15,000 acres.
Video and photos from the town of Ranger show several structures on fire.
Multiple evacuations are in place which are impacting areas around Carbon and Lake Leon.
Edmonson Fire
Firefighters say they have made significant progress in containing the Edmonson Fire, burning between Odessa and San Angelo.
At last report, 3,878 acres had burned and crews believed they had about 50% containment on the fire.
The Texas A&M Forest Service says winds of more than 20 miles per hour are helping to spread the Chico Lane Fire in the direction of the town of Barnhart. So far, no evacuation orders have been issued in the town but authorities are keeping a close eye on.
Highway 67 is being impacted by smoke and fire in Reagan and Irion counties.
At last check, the fire has burned more than 5,000 acres.
Hollywood Fire
The Texas A&M Forest Service says a shelter has been opened for residents evacuated from the area around Amarillo at the Bushland Baptist Church. It's address is 1800 Simmons St., Bushland, Texas.
At last report, the Hollywood Fire was at more than 166 acres and was 70% contained.
Eastland County Today Newspaper Staff took video of buildings on fire in Ranger, Texas. The area is about an hour west of Fort Worth, TX in Eastland County.
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The Colman County (Texas) Sheriff's Office reports multiple homes have been lost in a wildfire and crews are trying to keep the fire from jumping roadways. Highway 153 in the area has been closed to non-emergency vehicles and the Red Cross is helping those who need shelter.
Evacuations remain in effect for the Glen Cove area.
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