ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Plumes of smoke could be seen outside the KTAB/KRBC studios as Taylor County emergency personnel work on multiple fires across the Big Country Tuesday evening.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Facebook page, first responders are working on two structure fires off FM 126, north of I-20. Meanwhile, more crews are fighting ‘several’ grass fires near Highway 277 South.
The Texas Wildfire Incident Response System dubbed one fire, the “Mesquite Heat Fire,” taking place about a mile-and-a-half from Coronado’s Camp in Tuscola. It stands at 1,500 acres in size and 5% containment as of 9:10 p.m. Tuesday.
The Texas A&M Forest Service was called in to help with the Mesquite Heat Fire, according to a tweet.
The fire is moving north and remains active, the Texas A&M Forest Service said. They’ve also brought in additional fire equipment and resources to help battle this fire.
Homes on Hidden Valley Drive area have been instructed to evacuate. The sheriff’s office said it is moving people to View Baptist Church.
At around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, TCSO said it was evacuating residents on Braune Road.
As of 8:30 Tuesday night, TCSO said it will be evacuating residents in the area of County Road 317/ White Mines Road.
Drivers are instructed to avoid the areas altogether.
According to scanners from multiple sources into the KTAB/KRBC newsroom, the Abilene Fire Department (AFD) sent out multiple trucks to help out at the Mesquite Heat Fire. Aircrafts are also being used to help lessen smoke and flames.
The Abilene Fire Department issued a Red Flag Warning from noon until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. That Red Flag Warning was later extended to midnight.
These are working fires. KTAB/KRBC will update this article as new information becomes available.