Wildfire — Montague, Texas

2009-04-09 to 2009-04-12 · Montague, Texas

Event narrative

Nearly 38,000 acres of land were burned in several wildfires that ravaged the county. The towns of Stoneburg and Sunset were destroyed by fires that claimed nearly seventy homes, numerous structures and vehicles, oil field equipment, and livestock. Eight of the homes destroyed were in Sunset. Two people lost their lives in Stoneburg while attempting to save their home and their son was injured. Another fire in the Dye Mound area claimed several barns and outbuildings. The towns of Montague, St. Jo, and Bowie required evacuations. Some of the fires were still smoldering on April 12th.

Wider weather episode

Dry and windy conditions resulted in explosive fire conditions in north Texas on this day. Some wildfires were rekindled fires that had been smoldering from earlier in the week. These wildfires burned tens of thousands of acres, multiple structures, and killed cattle. Two fatalities occurred in Stoenburg as a couple tried to protect their home. Several of the fires were being fought or watched until April 11th and 12th when rain brought relief to parts of north Texas.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 164804. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.