Watch CBS News

Crews continue to battle large blaze near Huntsville, now 85% contained

Temperatures continue to heat up over the holiday weekend
Temperatures continue to heat up over the holiday weekend 02:06

WALKER COUNTY (CBSNewsTexas.com) - Firefighters continue to battle a large wildfire burning over 4,000 acres in Huntsville. As of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, all evacuation orders and road closures had been lifted. Although officials are still asking people to use caution.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Game Preserve Fire has burned an estimated 4,428 acres and is now 85% contained, as of 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.

"Crews continue to improve containment lines around the fire," TFS said in a statement. "Engine crews are patrolling and mopping up across the area to check for any heat near containment lines."

TFS said Saturday aircraft were dropping water to assist with firefighting efforts.

TFS said the fire started just before 4:30 p.m. Friday and grew from 100 acres to 1,200 acres by Friday night.

Gov. Greg Abbott activated the Austin Airtanker Base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Friday to "enhance Texas' wildfire suppression efforts" over Labor Day Weekend.  

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.