Neighbor Fire in Brown County Reaches 200 Acres

BLANKET, TX — The Neighbor Fire in Brown County has burned approximately 200 acres and is 50% contained as of Monday morning, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. 

The wildfire, which started Sunday afternoon in the 5400 block of Hughdy Drive south of U.S. Highway 67/377 near County Roads 329, 325 and 294 between Blanket and Early, remains active. 

Weeks without measurable rain and temperatures above 100 degrees created ideal conditions for the grass and heavy brush fire. Forward progression was stopped by 5:17 p.m. Sunday, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office said, and firefighters began mop-up operations. All evacuations were lifted by 8 p.m. Sunday. 

Brown County Emergency Management reported crews remained on scene overnight with no immediate threat to homes. County Roads 325 and 329 remained closed to the public for emergency personnel. Local volunteer departments from Blanket, Zephyr, Early, May, Lake Bridge, Brookesmith, Winchell, Brownwood and others responded, along with mutual aid from Coleman, Comanche and McCulloch counties. 

Donations are being sought for the fire departments; you can find more on that HERE. 

Texas A&M Forest Service provided a dozen crews from the Brownwood area (with more from San Angelo), two twin-engine Super Scooper aircraft scooping water from Lake Brownwood, Air Tractor 802s dropping retardant from Mineral Wells, a BAE-146 air tanker from Abilene and a Texas Army National Guard helicopter for bucket work. 

The cause remains undetermined. Elevated fire weather is expected to continue. Officials urge the public to stay out of the area, keep roads clear and avoid calling 911 for information.