TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas — UPDATE (July 25): A wildland fire in northern Taylor County burned 21 acres, destroyed and damaged property before it was contained Wednesday was caused by a barrel of rubbish being burned, which quickly spread to nearby grass.
The Tye Fire Department says it was dispatched just before 2 p.m. Wednesday to a reported grass fire in the 400 block of County Road 646, just east of FM 707N.
While on the way to the location, the FD received updates that the fire had spread to a nearby home and was advancing toward an area of dense wildland. Tye FD called for help from the Merkel Fire Department, View Fire Department, Buffalo Gap Fire Department, Potosi Fire Department, Taylor County, Texas A&M Forest Service and the Abilene Fire Department as the rapidly advancing fire immediately threatened multiple homes.
Taylor County Sheriff's Office deputies played a crucial role in evacuating residents while crews worked to extinguish the flames.
In all, 21 acres were burned; two tractors were damaged; a boat and a storage shed were destroyed; six structures were damaged and eight structures were saved.
One civilian and one firefighter suffered minor injuries.
UPDATE (3:58 p.m. July 24): The forward progression of the wildland fire has been mostly stopped, the Tye FD reported on social media. Crews continue to work to prevent any further spread. Please continue to monitor local resources in case this status changes.
ORIGINAL STORY: Taylor County residents in the area CR 646, CR 415 and Kings Addition Road need to be prepared to evacuate their homes, the Tye Fire Department said Wednesday afternoon.
Multiple fire departments, including Tye are fighting a fast-moving wildland fire off FM 707N.
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office is asking residents to avoid the area from Mulberry Creek Road North at FM 707 to County Road 646. The road is closed because of the fire.
This is a developing story. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
