Mason County wildfire burning an estimated 4,000 acres

TEXAS, USA — Crews are currently working to put out a Central Texas wildfire spanning across an estimated 4,000 acres. 

The Texas A&M Forest Service said Friday morning that the North Art Complex Fire was burning approximately 3,000 acres in Mason County, roughly 118 miles away from the Austin area. As of 10:20 a.m., the fire was only 10% contained.

In an update just before 2 p.m., the forest service said the fire had increased to an estimated 4,000 acres and was 30% contained.

Officials say the North Art Complex Fire is actually the result of multiple smaller fires that were started by lightning. The fires were grouped into a “complex” fire because of their proximity to each other.

Forest Service officials said initially, the fire was very active and some structures were threatened. However, as of 10:20 a.m., no structures had been lost. 

In the 2 p.m. update, the forest service said aircraft and ground crews continue to work to suppress the fire and more crews are on their way to help.

At around 9 a.m., Mason County Texas AgriLife Extension posted a list of resources for ranchers and farmers impacted by the fire.

A second, smaller fire is also burning across 10 acres in Bastrop County Friday morning. The Pine Dump Fire is 60% contained. The cause of that fire is unknown.