ABILENE, Texas — UPDATE (Aug. 21): The Taylor County Sheriff's Office provided an update on the Hill Top Fire Monday afternoon.
Crews will continue constructing and improving containment lines around the fire, which was caused by lightning Monday, using engines and hand crews to patrol and mop-up areas still containing burning material within 200 feet of containment lines. Bulldozers will continue to connect containment lines where possible and hand crews will be utilized when the terrain is too steep for heavy equipment.
Forecasted weather for Monday includes continued hot and dry conditions with increased wind speeds, an added component which could test containment lines across the fire area. If fire activity increases, continued air support may be required.
Area residents are likely to see dust devils and some smoke in the burn area as winds increase out of the southeast. Fire managers are aware of the possibility and are prepared should the fire break its containment.
The TCSO said there are no current evacuations, but residents are encouraged to monitor the Taylor County Sheriff's Office Facebook page for more information.
There is a temporary flight restriction in place for the area over the fire to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.
A county-wide burn ban was issued July 18 by the Taylor County Commissioners Court for 90 days or until substantial rainfall has saturated all areas within the county.
Fire managers noted significant damages to power lines and a repeater building Saturday. The repeater building was largely abandoned, except for a room being used by the Potosi Volunteer Fire Department. No other structure damage or loss has been reported.
Two injuries were reported in the Hill Top Fire, but both were minor, and the firefighters were treated and allowed to return to duty.
UPDATE (2:22 p.m. Aug. 19): According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Hilltop Fire is currently still active. It is 25% contained and covers a 225 acre radius.
UPDATE (10:01 p.m. Aug. 18): The Hilltop Fire is contained at 10% and Hwy 83/84 is open for vehicles. Those who evacuated can return to their homes and animals can remain at the Taylor County Expo Center over the weekend.
Buildings are not currently in danger but be prepared to leave at any time.
Do not call 911 as firefighters will remain on scene.
UPDATE (7:58 p.m. Aug. 18): According to recent updates from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, Verizon Wireless is currently out of service and the Hilltop Fire is now 10% contained, reaching more than 400 acres total.
Pets can be taken to the Taylor County Expo Center and those looking for a safe place can go to The River of Life Church until 9 p.m.
Additionally, the City of Abilene is using an emergency management system to provide updates on the current fire. Text ABITAYTX to 99411 for continued information.
UPDATE (5:53 p.m. Aug. 18): The Taylor County Sheriff's Office has issued a voluntary evacuation request for anyone living between the Old Coleman Hwy and US 83/84.
"The fire may not look close to you at this time but if the wind changes direction the fire could spread quickly," the TCSO said.
Northbound traffic on Hwy 83/84 has been shut down because of fire equipment in the area.
Big Stars Farm said on social media it has a place to bring livestock residents in the voluntary evacuation area.
"We have pasture space and barn pens for horses or cows and limited space for goats and chickens. This offer stands as long as this post is still up," the post said.
Additionally, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office said if you have animals that you are evacuating, you can take them to the Taylor County Expo Center.
ORIGINAL STORY: Multiple fire crews are responding to a large fire off US Hwy 83/84, south of the Old Coleman Hwy, Friday afternoon.
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office said the fire is moving northeast of the rest area.
Local firefighters are on scene fighting the fire. The TCSO is asking residents to avoid calling 911 to report the fire because the 911 system is being overloaded.
The sheriff's office said it will give periodic updates and that everyone in the area needs to be on standby.
The Texas A&M Forest Service said the Hill Top Fire is 200 acres and at 0% containment, as of 5:25 p.m. Friday.
This is a developing story. More information will be published as it becomes available from officials.
