Texas Wildfires

2011 Texas Wildfires- Big 3

To date over 1,000,000 acres have burned and over 200 homes have been destroyed due to dozens of Wildfires throughout the State of Texas. The 3 major wildfires still burning in Texas are Possum Kingdom, Wildcat, and Rockhouse Fires. These 3 wildfires alone have destroyed 191 homes, 2 businesses, and 2 churches as well as burning more than 500,000 acres.

            The largest of the “Big 3” wildfires is the “ROCKHOUSE” still burning in Presidio and Jeff Davis Counties of West Texas. So far this fire has torched more than 230,000 acres and destroyed 23 homes and 2 businesses and has resulted in the closure of the Davis Mountains State Park. “Rockhouse” also threatens the historic Indian Lodge within the state park area and the Buffalo Trail Boy Scout Ranch. The “Rockhouse” is only predicted to be 75% contained and is expected to expand to the north and east over the next couple of days.

            The next largest of the Texas Wildfires is the “Wildcat” currently burning in Coke County near San Angelo. This fire has been responsible for blackening almost 160,000 acres and the temporary evacuation of the West Texas towns of Robert Lee, Grape Creek, Quail Valley, Bronte, Orient, and Tennyson. Although “Wildcat” is still burning north of San Angelo, it is believed to be 80% contained and is mainly a grass fire at this point.

            The smallest of the large Texas Wildfires is the “Possum Kingdom” burning about 80 miles west of Ft. Worth in Palo Pinto and Stephens Counties. With it’s 126,000 acres this fire has not blazed as much acreage as the “Rockhouse” or “Wildcat”, but has far exceeded the combined damage of both large wildfires. To date, the “Possum Kingdom” has left 167 homes and 2 churches in ashes. It has also been responsible for closing the Possum Kingdom State Park as well as the Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery. This fire is believed to be 90% contained and by the end of this week the Texas Forest Service expects to be able to release it manpower from this site to help assist at other fires across the state.