The Texas A & M Forest Service has raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 5 due to a significant increase in fire activity, potential for large fires that are resistant to control and the increased commitment of resources.

The largest fire is just south of Abilene – the Mesquite Heat Fire – at last report 5% contained and an estimated 5,000 acres in size.  The fire made a major push to the East yesterday.  Evacuations were in place last night for the area around Buffalo Gap.  Firefighters focused on life safety operations, structure protection and fire line creation.

There is another large fire burning over in Hamilton County.  It’s called the Dry Branch Fire, an estimated 4,000 acres and 15% contained.  Crews are working spot fires across containment lines.

There were two fires in Coleman County yesterday.  One was the continuation of the Shoestring Fire between Coleman and Valera, burning an estimated 2,000 acres.  Coleman County fire departments brought it under control Wednesday evening.   The Santa Anna Fire Department put out a grass fire before it got out of hand in Rockwood at mid-afternoon yesterday.