Fire Consumes Seven Homes
By: Alisa Hail
Updated: January 23, 2009
9:33pm Update:The Abilene Fire Department now believes anywhere from 2,500 to 3,000 acres has been torched. Fire officials say wind conditions have eased considerably and this aided fire forces in gaining an upper hand of the leading edge of the fire. Were told several fast moving "fingers" of fire sprang out again threatening to quickly spread to other properties. About 15 fire departments and 60 emergency responders are on the scene. There are no reports of injuries.
9 PMUpdate:
Reports from the Forest Service state that the fire is now only 20 percent contained and has consumed a total of 7 homes.
2000 acres have already been burned and officials say it is not safe to return to the area.
Onlookers are strongly advised to leave the area immediately.
Evacuations are in order for anyone inside the quadrant of US 180, FM 1082, FM 600 and FM 1226.
Residents along Country Road 348 have begun to evacuate themselves.
The Forest Service has been contacted in order to discover the closest air service. The Lueders, Stamford, Hawley, Abilene, Shackleford, Tye and Hamby fire departments have been called out to fight the blaze.
The National Weather Service has issued a grass fire warning. With winds of 19 mph, the fire is expected to continue moving to the northeast.
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