PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Mandatory evacuations took place Thursday evening, as fire crews battled to put out a fire in Palo Pinto County.
The fire, dubbed "Storage Fire," has burned around 1,000 acres and is about 35% contained, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
The fire is located between S. State Highway 16 and Possum Kingdom Lake.
Texas A&M Forest Service said Thursday morning that all containment lines around the fire's perimeter had been finished. Crews would widen and improve these lines throughout the day, officials said.
But by 6 p.m. Thursday, Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire had surpassed the containment lines, and the wind aided to the growth of the blaze.
Texas A&M Forest Service said Friday morning that crews continued to construct containment line around the fire perimeter and mitigate any issues that may pose a threat to containment.
Firefighters were working to protect structures in the area and have asked residents in Gaines Bend, Sportsman's World and Hell's Gate to leave as quickly and safely as possible.
Adam Turner with Texas A&M Forest Service said they are estimating about 200 houses have been evacuated but are unsure how many were occupied at the time. Many homes are potentially second homes or vacation rentals.
Officials said air tankers are being brought in to help douse the fire and say drones, planes or helicopters are being asked not the fly in the area.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service incident viewer, the "Storage Fire" was the largest active fire burning in the state of Texas. Further west, the "Rolling Pin Fire" in Nolan County had burned 150 acres and was 100% contained as of Friday morning.
Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday afternoon that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to send firefighting resources to Palo Pinto County.
The resources include firefighters, paramedics, ambulances, Blackhawks with fire-suppression capabilities, and more fire engines.
Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire was "human caused" and an investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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