Rio Escondido Fire Grows to 2,650 Acres as Containment Rises to 75%

Overview

• The fire began on August 24 and spread rapidly to about 2,650 acres before crews established control lines.
• Incident command reported containment increased to 75% in the August 26 update while crews patrol interior hotspots.
• Multiple structures have been confirmed lost but exact counts remain pending until daylight assessments are finished.
• A unified command that includes Texas A&M Forest Service is using heavy equipment, aircraft, and thermal drones to fight the blaze and a temporary flight restriction protects firefighting aircraft.
• Hot, dry and gusty conditions and isolated storm risks keep the fire volatile, power has been restored in the area, no injuries have been reported, and a Red Cross shelter in Evant can house about 50 people.