Weeks without measurable rain and temperatures soaring above triple digits for the past several days resulted an ideal wildfire conditions which, unfortunately, proved to be the case for eastern Brown County Sunday.
In the early afternoon hours, a wildlife – eventually named the Neighbor Fire by the Texas A&M Forest Service – was reported in the 5400 block of Hughdy Drive, south of US Highway 67/377 near County Roads 329, 325, and 294 between Blanket and Early.
Fire Departments from across Brown County – Brownwood, Blanket, Zephyr, Early, May, Lake Bridge, Brookesmith, and Winchell – responded to the blaze, which was traveling north, and mutual aid assistance was requested and received from Coleman, Comanche and McCulloch counties.
The Texas A&M Forest Service also dispatched two twin-engine Super Scooper aircraft from College Station, which scooped water out of Lake Brownwood. Several single-engine Air Tractor 802s from Mineral Wells dropped fire retardant, and a BAE-146 air tanker from Abilene also assisted. The Texas A&M Forest Service sent a dozen crews from the Brownwood area to work the fire, and more crews from San Angelo were expected to arrive.
The Texas Army National Guard also sent a helicopter to the site for bucket work.
At 5:17 p.m. Sunday, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office announced on social media that forward progression on the Neighbor Fire had been stopped, fire departments were starting to “mop up” and local agencies were still on scene. Meanwhile, the Texas A&M Forest Service continued with its aerial assistance into the evening hours.
As of 9:45 p.m. Sunday, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the Neighbor Fire had charred approximately 200 acres and was 50 percent contained, but still considered active. Meanwhile, the Brown County Emergency Management Office stated crews will remain on scene overnight, voluntary evacuations had been lifted, and there was no longer an immediate threat to homes.
No cause of the fire had been determined Sunday night, while the full extent of the damage and any potential injuries also were unknown.
Additional information will be provided when it becomes available.