Brown County Wildfire Grows to 150 acres

BLANKET, TX — Forward progression of the Neighbor Fire in Brown County has been stopped, and firefighters have begun mop-up operations, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office said in a 5 p.m. update Sunday.

County Roads 329 and 325 stayed closed to the public and open only to emergency personnel. Officials continued monitoring U.S. 67/377 but said it did not appear a closure would be needed. 

The fire, which has burned an estimated 150 acres and was reported 30% contained as of the latest update, started the afternoon of Aug. 23 about 4 miles southwest of Blanket near U.S. Highway 67 and County Road 325, between Early and Blanket. 

Local fire departments responded first. Texas A&M Forest Service joined in unified command after a 2:12 p.m. request for additional firefighters and heavy equipment. 

Aviation resources, including single-engine air tankers, were ordered to assist. Evacuations were ordered earlier for County Road 325 and County Road 294 near Blanket, with residents on County Roads 325, 328 and 329 also urged to leave, according to the Incident Information System. 

The cause remains undetermined and under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office urged the public to stay out of the area, avoid traveling near the fire and keep roads clear for emergency personnel. Elevated fire weather is expected to continue through late Monday.