1,000+ Acre Grass Fire In Parker County; Some Evacuations Ordered
PARKER AND TARRANT COUNTIES, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Crews are fighting a string of grass fires in North Texas that's now led to evacuations in some areas.
As of 2:50 p.m. a third grass fire is burning south of Highway 199 and west of Ross Lane in extreme north central Parker Co, between Poolville and Springtown, according to the National Weather Service. Evacuations are being ordered.
The second grass fire, is a big one just east of Willow Park in Parker County has burned at least 1,000 acres according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Parker County Judge and Emergency Manager Mark Riley said as of 5:40 the fire was approximately 85 percent contained.
The Texas A&M Forest Service tweeted about the progress shortly after 4:30 p.m.
No structures were destroyed in this fire and there have been no reports of injuries.
The wind has been gusting at 30 to 35 miles per hour, CBS11 meteorologist Jeff Ray said. He said the wind is not expected to die down until the evening.
Troopers shut down I-20 eastbound just past 1187 at 2:15 p.m.
All east and westbound lanes were closed on I-20 and I-30 from I-820 in Tarrant County to Farm to Market Road 5 in Parker County according to TxDOT which is urged people to delay travel or seek alternate routes.
By 4:45 p.m. all lanes were back open.
Due to the fire, Walsh Elementary evacuated to Daniel Ninth Grade Campus.
McCall Elementary evacuated to Aledo High School.
Parker County Judge Mark Riley signed a disaster declaration that will allow for more resources to fight the fire.
Multiple departments are fighting the fire in the area of Fox Hunt Trail.
Homes near Indian Camp Road and Ranch House Road are being evacuated according to Willow Park officials. The fire is moving east and is unpredictable.
First Baptist Church on Ranch House Road in Parker County is offering shelter to anyone evacuating due to the fire.
Meantime, the first fire Monday was in Flower Mound, burned on the northeast corner of FM 1171 and Highway 377.
By late afternoon, the fire was contained.
The fire department asked drivers to avoid the area because of the heavy smoke.
The Flower Mound Fire Department was assisted by several agencies from across Denton County to contain the fire.
Shortly after 4:00 p.m., Flower Mound police said lane of westbound FM 1171 had reopened. All lanes of eastbound 1171 were open. All lanes of 377 were still closed between 1171 and Canyon Falls Dr.
No homes or businesses were threatened.
Officials do not know what caused the fire.
