Wildfire Outside Abilene Burns 21 Acres, Causes 2 Injuries

TYE, TX — Wednesday's wildfire in Taylor County northwest of Abilene burned 21 acres, damaged six structures and caused two minor injuries, according to the Tye Fire Department.

The blaze was started by "a barrel of rubbish being burned, which quickly spread to nearby grass."

The Tye Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a grass fire about 2 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 646, just east of North FM 707.

"While en route, we received updates that the fire had spread to a nearby residence and was advancing toward an area of dense wildland," stated a Facebook post by the Tye FD. 

"We quickly called for assistance from Merkel Fire Department, View Fire Department, Buffalo Gap Fire Department, Potosi Fire Department, Taylor County, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Abilene Fire Department as the rapidly advancing fire immediately threatened multiple residences."

Taylor County Sheriff's Office Deputies played a crucial role in evacuating residents while crews worked to extinguish the flames, the post stated.

A firefighter and resident each suffered minor injuries.

Two tractors were damaged, while a boat and a storage shed were all destroyed. Eight structures were saved.