BURNET COUNTY, Texas – A 500-acre fire broke out in Burnet County Sunday afternoon.
View of the fire (Credit: Morgan Anne @MoLo_MLB)
Authorities report that no structures were lost in the fire and no one was injured. As of Tuesday evening, the fire was 557 acres and 75 percent contained. Crews are reinforcing containment lines and mopping up.
While many of the evacuations remained in place, authorities did lift evacuations for Deer Springs and residents east of FM 3509 and County Road 143.
Fire officials said 17 different fire departments from surrounding counties responded to the fire. Four single-engine air tankers and two helicopters were used to assist in extinguishing the fire.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but officials said that dry conditions fueled the fire. Currently the fire is not actively growing in size, but it is unclear as to when the rest of the evacuations will be lifted.
The Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed at least 150 homes were evacuated. Inks Lake State Park was closed and placed under a mandatory evacuation, at least 250 people were evacuated from the park. There was also a voluntary evacuation at Camp Longhorn and around 800 campers were evacuated from the Indian Springs Camp location.
The City of Burnet has opened up the Community Center at 401 E. Jackson Street for evacuees, which will remain open as long as necessary.