Hydra Fire in Bosque County Rechecked at 933 Acres and 52% Contained

Overview

• The Hydra Fire started Monday, Sept. 14, near Meridian and was driven north by high winds and heavy fuels before crews slowed its spread.
• Improved mapping reduced the estimated footprint to 933 acres and raised containment to 52%, up from about 1,100 acres and 35% earlier in the week.
• Local departments are operating in unified command with Texas A&M Forest Service and have used aircraft, dozers, hand crews and patrols to hold lines and find hotspots.
• The evacuation order for Meridian was lifted and nursing-home residents were allowed to return, but officials have identified trigger points that could prompt renewed evacuations.
• Access is limited by steep, juniper-filled canyons where interior pockets continue to smolder; donations of physical goods are paused and two hand crews were dispatched to build direct lines.