TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – At approximately 4:30 p.m. on August 18, a large grass fire began in the area of County Road 150 and Highway 83/84.

According to officials, the fire was located a ranch south of Old Coleman Highway. There is significant damage to a repeater building and tall grass.

When the fire began, officials urged residents between Old Coleman Highway and Highway 83/84 to voluntarily evacuate due to the possibility of the fire shifting directions with the wind. Evacuees are now allowed to return to their homes, and those who evacuated were able to bring their animals to the Taylor County Expo Center for safety.

Courtesy of Jeff Randall

Courtesy of John Lovell

The Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer shows that the fire has burned 200 acres and is 100% contained as of Wednesday, August 23. The Texas Forest Service reported a size decrease due to more accurate mapping.

The Big Country Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) coordinated a cooling station at The River of Life Church at 539 US-83 to assist families seeking a place to evacuate to or stay cool.

Multiple crews worked on the scene Friday, including the Abilene Fire Department, surrounding volunteer fire departments, air tankers, and Texas Forest Service dozer crews.

On Friday evening, all local mutual aid was released so that they could be available if new fires started in their areas. On Saturday, the Potosi Volunteer Fire Department, air support, and Texas Forest Service worked on mop-up and containment.

As of 6:35 p.m. on Sunday, 171 personnel were assigned to the fire. Dozer lines were constructed all around accessible areas, and hand crews continued to build fire lines where dozers could not reach. Air support was used as needed and the Florida Gold Team also provided support and updates on the fire.

The Potosi Volunteer Fire Department posted an update on Facebook regarding donations:

“Thanks to the overwhelming community support, there are currently no un-met needs. We want to thank you all for the overwhelming show of community support.”

BigCountryHomepage will update if more information becomes available.