Wildfire — Gray, Texas

2017-03-06 to 2017-03-08 · Gray, Texas

Wider weather episode

The Lefors East Wildfire began in Gray County about six miles southeast of Lefors Texas around 1500CST. The wildfire spread east into Wheeler County where an evacuation was declared for the towns of Mobeetie and Wheeler. An evacuation was also declared for the town of Lefors, however three people were killed as they tried to save livestock in the area. Many livestock were also lost from the wildfire. The wildfire consumed approximately one hundred and thirty-five thousand acres. There was a report that six homes and four other structures were threatened but saved, however one home and two other structures were destroyed by the wildfire. Other than the three people killed, there were no reports of any injuries but there were ten near misses. There were ten fire departments and other agencies that responded to the wildfire including the Texas A&M Forest Service. The wildfire was contained around 0800CST on March 8.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 687309. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.