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Closer look at Walker County wildfire damage
The Game Preserve wildfire in Walker County has been burning for three days as firefighters continue to battle it north of Huntsville. So far the fire has scorched more than 4,000 acres and is 60 percent contained. FOX 26 Gabby Hart got an up-close look at some of the damage the fire caused.
WALKER COUNTY, Texas - All evacuation orders have been lifted and roads have reopened as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in Walker County, officials say.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Game Preserve Fire, located near Lost Indian Camp Road off FM 247, has increased to 4,428 acres and is now 90% contained as of 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.
The Texas A&M Forest Service says as of 8 a.m. Sunday, all evacuation orders and road closures were lifted, but the public should continue to use caution in the area as crews continue to work.
The Texas A&M Forest Service first responded to a request for assistance on the Game Preserve fire on Friday, when the fire was an estimated 100 acres. It grew to an estimated 1,200 acres by Friday night, 3,800 acres by midday Saturday, and 4,254 acres by Saturday night.
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Walker County wildfire grows, 40% contained
The Walker County wildfire continued to grow on Saturday and has burned more that 4,200 acres and is 40 percent contained, according to Texas A&M Forest Service. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle has the latest on the efforts to put it out. (EDITORS NOTE: This video is from Saturday night.)
Officials first recommended evacuations for everyone within three miles of Lost Indian Camp Road on Friday. On Saturday, Walker County Office of Emergency Management said Cedar Ridge Subdivision, Brimberry Road, and Branded for Christ Church had also been evacuated.
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WCOEM said no homes had been lost, and a strike team would stay Saturday night to protect the houses.
On Sunday morning, WCOEM said those who live in evacuated areas could return to their homes, and power was being restored.
Photo from the scene (Source: Walker County OEM)
Sections of FM 247 and I-45 were also closed at times over Friday and Saturday, but officials say all roadways have now reopened. They advise drivers to be cautious and look for falling trees over the next few weeks.
Firefighters, aerial crews, and dozers have worked around the clock since Friday to contain and suppress the fire. WCOEM said the Florida Forest Service would take over operations on Sunday morning to allow the Texas Forest Service to resume normal operations and have a break.
Officials ask that the public continue to use caution in the area as emergency personnel and vehicles continue to work on suppression efforts.