Fire crews across the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico continued battling multiple grass fires Saturday as containment efforts improved in several areas. Officials say evacuation orders in Randall County have now been lifted, while firefighters remain focused on strengthening containment lines and monitoring hotspots.
Authorities confirmed that all mandatory evacuations have been lifted, including areas along Cemetery Road east of Highway 87, Circle J Road, Jowell School Road, 1705, Dowlen Road between 1705 and Brown Road, Highway 283, areas southwest of 283 to Pondaseta, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Voluntary evacuations remain in place east of Interstate 27 between Cemetery Road and Hungate. All previously closed roads in Randall County have reopened.
Hungate Fire Grows to 17,300 Acres
The largest blaze in the region, the Hungate Fire in Randall County, expanded after multiple fires merged together. Officials estimate the fire has now burned 17,300 acres and is 40% contained.
Fire crews returned to the scene Saturday morning to continue containment operations, with aerial firefighting resources scheduled to assist later in the day. The Randall County Sheriff’s Office reported that three homes and several outbuildings were destroyed. Damage assessments are still underway.
Chocolate Chip Fire Reaches 10,000 Acres
The Chocolate Chip Fire, burning in southwestern Randall County, has scorched approximately 10,000 acres and is currently 50% contained.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire merged into the Hungate Fire area but is still being tracked separately. Officials requested additional air support as crews continue working to slow the fire’s spread. While forward progression has slowed significantly, firefighters say the fire has not been fully stopped.
Western Fire Near Containment
The Western Fire in Randall County has burned about 1,000 acres and is now 80% contained.
Emergency officials say the fire’s forward movement has mostly stopped, allowing crews to transition into mop-up operations. The fire remains south of the Hungate Fire zone.
Because of ongoing fire activity, Palo Duro Canyon State Park will remain closed again Saturday in coordination with emergency management officials and law enforcement agencies. Visitors who evacuated the park earlier will be allowed to return temporarily to collect belongings.
Roman and Line Fires Merge Near State Line
In Hartley County, crews continue battling the Roman Fire west of Dalhart near the Texas-New Mexico border. The fire has burned roughly 2,000 acres and is 90% contained.
Officials say the Roman Fire merged with the Line Fire, which started south of Nara Visa in Quay County, New Mexico, before crossing into Texas. The Line Fire burned an estimated 10,000 acres and reached 80% containment before merging with the Roman Fire perimeter.
Hall County Fires Continue Burning
Two fires remain active in Hall County.
The Chainey Mountain Fire, burning west of County Road Y and County Road 28 near Childress, has grown to approximately 600 acres and is 50% contained.
Meanwhile, the Ox Bow Fire near FM 657 and Tampico Highway has burned around 2,000 acres and is 40% contained. Fire officials say moderate fire activity continues, with several pockets of heavy fire still burning.
Several Fires Fully Contained
Officials also reported several other fires across the region have been contained, including:
McBride Fire in Carson County — 2,192 acres
Shifty Fire in Potter County — 5,277 acres
Indigo Fire in Oldham County — 50 acres
Cherokee Fire in Briscoe County — 3,222 acres
Baylor Creek Fire in Childress County — 195 acres
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