The massive Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County has reached an estimated 5,000 acres as of Thursday morning, May 19, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The fire service said only 5% is contained.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, residents are being evacuated in the surrounding areas. The wildfire is near Buffalo Gab and not far from Abilene. The fire made a major push to the east, crossing HWY 277. Crews are focused on operations related to life safety, structure protection, and fireline creation where possible, according to Texas A&M Forest Service. So far, 10 houses and other structures have been destroyed by the Mesquite Heat Fire, according to the Abilene Reporter-News. However, officials believe those numbers will increase as they conduct new assessments.