2011 Texas wildfires

Series of wildfires in Texas May 2025 December 2022 2011 Texas wildfires West Texas wildfires satellite Apr 15 2011.png 250 245 Rockhouse Fire 125 15 Rockhouse Fire Frying Pan Ranch 87 56 Frying Pan Ranch Wildcat Fire 118 124 Wildcat Fire Cooper Mountain Ranch Fire 82 127 Cooper Mountain Ranch Swenson Fire 78 148 Swenson Fire Possum Kingdom Complex 101 189 Possum Kingdom Complex no no 2 An April 15, 2011 satellite image of several active wildfires over West Texas with smoke blown towards the southeast Justice Jones April Saginor Brad Smith 2011 Texas Wildfires; Common Denominators of Home Destruction 2013 https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/uploadedFiles/TFSMain/Preparing_for_Wildfires/Prepare_Your_Home_for_Wildfires/Contact_Us/2011%20Texas%20Wildfires.pdf tfsweb.tamu.edu Texas A&M Forest Service 11 May 2022National Centers for Environmental Information Search Results for All Counties in Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29+Wildfire&beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=01&beginDate_yyyy=2011&endDate_mm=12&endDate_dd=31&endDate_yyyy=2011&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=48%2CTEXAS Storm Events Database National Climatic Data Center June 14, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina $513.9 million (2011 USD) 31,453 4,011,709 acres ha 62 10 total (6 civilians, 4 firefighters) thumb|By October 16, 2011, about {{convert|3,853,475|acres|ha|disp=x| (|)|0}} of Texas had burned in a single fire season, equivalent to a square of about 77.5 by 77.5 mi km 1. The 2011 Texas wildfires were a series of destructive wildfires in Texas that occurred during the 2011 fire season. During 2011 in Texas, around 31,453 fires had burned 4,000,000 acres km2 or -1"2011 Texas Wildfires: Common Denominators of Home Destruction", tamu.edu, December 2011, webpage (PDF): tamu-TW. (about double the previous record), 2,947 homes (1,939 of which were destroyed over the Labor Day weekend), and over 2,700 other structures.Texas Fires 2011 Fact Sheet September 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111015023233/http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/2315/13641/ October 15, 2011 47.3% of all acreage burned in The United States in 2011 was burned in Texas. The fires had been particularly severe due to the 2011 Southern US drought that covered the state, and was exacerbated by the unusual convergence of strong winds, unseasonably warm temperatures, and low humidity.Tripp Leslie Gallman Stephanie http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/18/texas.forest.fires/index.html?hpt=T2 Arrest made in connection with Texas wildfire near Austin CNN.com 2011-04-18 April 19, 2011 Timber lost to drought and wildfire in 2011 could have produced an estimated $1.6 billion worth of products, resulting in 3.4 billion dollars of economic impact in East Texas.Texas Water Report: Going Deeper for the Solution https://web.archive.org/web/20140222144253/http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/water/96-1746.pdf 2014-02-22 Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Retrieved 2/10/14. Firefighters from more than forty-three states were involved in combating the fires.https://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/04/26/26climatewire-fighters-from-43-states-battle-far-flung-tex-37260.html The New York Times Fighters From 43 States Battle Far-Flung Texas Wildfires April 26, 2011 Two firefighters were killed: Eastland volunteer firefighter Gregory M. Simmons, 51, died April 15 while battling a 3000 acre km2 on blaze Friday afternoon near Eastland; Cactus volunteer firefighter Elias Jaquez died April 20 from injuries sustained while fighting a blaze April 9 in Moore County. On Sunday, September 4, 2011, a forest fire known as the Bastrop County Complex Fire engulfed rural areas to the east Bastrop, Texas, including the Tahitian Village development, and by September 30 had destroyed 1,645 homes, burned 34,068 acres, and killed two people.http://www.kvue.com/news/national/129615848.html Texas fire destroys 1,554 homes, 17 people missing kvue.com Austin 2011-09-12 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005154559/http://www.kvue.com/news/national/129615848.html 2011-10-05 This fire is now regarded as the most catastrophic wildfire in Texas history.Bastrop fire investigation concluded https://web.archive.org/web/20111015022446/http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/2589/ October 15, 2011 Texas Governor Rick Perry declared a State of Disaster on December 21, 2010, and renewed the proclamation every month. On April 16, 2011, Perry asked that President Barack Obama declare 252 of 254 Texas counties as disaster areas due to wildfires and wildfire danger;Perry's disaster request letter https://web.archive.org/web/20110820105836/http://governor.state.tx.us/files/press-office/O-ObamaBarack20110416.pdf August 20, 2011 April 16, 2011. the request was partially approved on July 1, 2011.http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14975 https://web.archive.org/web/20110818155948/http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14975 dead August 18, 2011 FEMA Disaster Summary for 2011 Texas Wildfires September 9, 2011 Critics of the governor's relief efforts point to his budget cuts to the Texas Forest Service which provides a first line of defense against wildfires.http://www.democracynow.org/2011/9/8/texas_faces_massive_wildfires_record_drought Democracy Now! Texas Faces Massive Wildfires, Record Drought as Gov. Rick Perry Denies Existence of Global Warming September 8, 2011 Overall, wildfires in Texas during 2011 caused $510.927 million in damages and caused six fatalities, though an additional 62 people were injured.Storm Events For Wildfires in Texas in 2011 http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=01&beginDate_yyyy=2011&endDate_mm=12&endDate_dd=31&endDate_yyyy=2011&eventType=%28Z%29+Wildfire&county=ALL&zone=ALL&submitbutton=Search&statefips=48%2CTEXAS Storm Events Database National Climatic Data Center June 8, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095623/http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=01&beginDate_yyyy=2011&endDate_mm=12&endDate_dd=31&endDate_yyyy=2011&eventType=(Z)+Wildfire&county=ALL&zone=ALL&submitbutton=Search&statefips=48,TEXAS March 4, 2016 dead Background The 2010 Texas wildfire season began on November 15.December 2025 A La Niña weather pattern that began in the summer of 2010 brought widespread drought to Texas. The percentage of exceptional drought in the state was the highest since the United States Drought Monitor began tracking the data in 2000."Texas drought worst in recent history" ConnectAmarillo.com https://web.archive.org/web/20110726124347/http://www.connectamarillo.com/news/story.aspx?id=614338 July 26, 2011 May 5, 2011. A pattern of troughs from the Pacific Northwest brought strong winds over the plains. These weather conditions coupled with an above normal grass fuel loading created conditions for an active fire season.Tom Spencer and Brad Smith. "Winter 2011 Wildland Fire Season Outlook for Texas" Texas Forest Service Sep 24, 2010. Notable fires This is a list of known Texas wildfires occurring in 2011 that reached a size greater than 10,000 acres (40 km2) and/or caused significant destruction in residential areas. Bastrop County Complex Bastrop County Complex fire thumb|150px|View of Bastrop Complex fire captured by Terra satellite, September 5, 2011 Due to the ongoing exceptional drought conditions in most of Texas and the high winds brought to the state by Tropical Storm Lee, a series of wildfires flared up over Labor Day weekend and continued into the following week. The largest and most destructive was what is now known as the Bastrop County Complex. At approximately 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on September 4, two fires started north of Bastrop State Park in the communities of Circle D-KC Estates and Tahitian Village.Bastrop County Complex http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/2589/ Texas Forest Service 5 September 2011 October 15, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111015022446/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/2589/ deadBastrop fire still uncontained, and it may get worse http://www.gonzalescannon.com/node/6396 The Gonzales Cannon 5 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120324080357/http://www.gonzalescannon.com/node/6396 2012-03-24 dead The likely cause of the blaze was sparks from electric power lines. 30 mph gusts of wind apparently toppled trees which tumbled into electrical lines at two locations, creating sparks that fell onto and ignited the dry grass and leaf litter below. The fire was exacerbated by the outflow of Tropical Storm Lee in conjunction with exceptional drought.Wind-driven fires kill woman, child in East Texas http://www.statesman.com/news/texas/wind-driven-fires-kill-woman-child-in-east-1819712.html The Austin American Statesman 5 September 2011 September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes The fire quickly spread, engulfing 400 homes. Multiple areas and locales were evacuated, including the Bastrop Animal Shelter, Bastrop State Park (more than half of which was burned), and other communities affected by the fire.160 animals saved from Bastrop shelter http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/160-animals-saved-from-bastrop-shelter Kxan36 5 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111112171559/http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/160-animals-saved-from-bastrop-shelter 2011-11-12 dead By 7:30 PM on September 5, 2011, the fire had burned about 25,000 acres and 500 homes. Winds began to calm the evening of September 5, but the fire still had no containment by the evening of September 6. By September 11, 1,554 homes had been destroyed. By October 1, the fire had reached 98% containment but had burned a total of 34,068 acres and 1,645 homes, making it the most destructive fire in Texas history. Karen Brooks Officials triple number of homes destroyed in Texas fire 2011-09-08 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-wildfires-idUSTRE78426D20110908 Reuters 2011-09-08https://archive.today/20120917162758/http://www.statesman.com/news/bastrop-residents-begin-to-return-home-1-400-1830663.html Bastrop residents begin to return home; 1,400 houses destroyed (Austin American-Statesman, September 9, 2011) November 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes At 8:00 PM on October 10, the fire was declared 100% contained.Bastrop fire investigation concluded October 15, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111015022446/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/2589/ Bear Creek Fire On September 4, the largest fire in East Texas History began. Scorching more than 43,000 acres in Cass and Marion Counties. The fire took over 5 days to get under control involving numerous houses, and property. Multiple fire departments aided in the suppression efforts.June 2019 A total of 91 structures were burned by the wildfire, amassing a damage toll of $6 million.National Weather Service Shreveport, Louisiana Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Cass County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=338814 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 10, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina 2011 Colorado County Fire On September 4, a fire started in Mentz, a rural community about 8 mi km northeast of Columbus, TX. The fire consumed 1800 acres, 11 homes, 40 outbuildings, and about 38 vehicles. The fire was contained a few days later.Fire in Mentz, Texas http://www.coloradocountycitizen.com/news/article_4b8caf46-d741-11e0-8e0e-001cc4c03286.html 4 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111004221246/http://www.coloradocountycitizen.com/news/article_4b8caf46-d741-11e0-8e0e-001cc4c03286.html 4 October 2011 dead Cooper Mountain Ranch Fire Following a period of gusty conditions in mid-April, thunderstorms occurring between April 10–11 over West Texas initiated several wildfires. Among these was the Cooper Mountain Ranch Fire, which began from a lightning strike in 9 mi km on south of Clairemont in southern Kent County.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Kent County https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298325 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina The fire ultimately spread to Fisher, Scurry, and Stonewall counties.Swenson, Cooper Mountain Ranch fires fully contained https://www.lubbockonline.com/article/20110422/NEWS/304229854 June 14, 2019 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal GateHouse Media, LLC. April 22, 2011 Lubbock, Texas On April 14, the city of Rotan was evacuated as the fire spread east, with one home destroyed near the county line between Kent and Stonewall counties; residents of Rotan returned to their homes after a few hours.Firefighters still battling three-county fire southeast of Lubbock https://www.kcbd.com/story/14454430/volunteer-firefighters-still-battling-three-county-fire/ June 14, 2019 KBCD KCBD.com June 23, 2011 Lubbock, Texas A change in the winds to northerly caused the fire to spread south towards Camp Springs on April 18.Texas Forest Service Cooper Mountain Ranch http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2170/ InciWeb Inciweb.org June 14, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20120326020546/http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2170/ March 26, 2012 April 24, 2011 The fire was eventually contained on April 22 after burning 162625 acre ha on of grassland, resulting in $1.26 million in economic losses and the destruction of 350 utility poles. It was the sixth largest wildfire in Texas history.TX Forest Service: Bear Creek fire largest in ETX history https://www.ksla.com/story/15429881/bear-creek-fire-largest-in-texas-history/ June 14, 2019 KSLA News 12 KSLA.com September 9, 2011 Shreveport, Louisiana FEMA approved $1.35 million in assistance grants as a result of the fire.Federal Emergency Management Agency Texas Cooper Mountain Ranch Fire (FM-2889) https://www.fema.gov/disaster/2889 Disasters Department of Homeland Security June 14, 2019 Washington, D.C. May 7, 2015 Crockett Fires thumb|The fire along US 287 Fires burned between Texas 7 and US 287 and County Road 4505 but later jumped across to CR 4529. The cause of this fire is unknown.https://www.ktre.com/story/15394166/wildfire-on-highway-7-near-crockett Fire blazes on Highway 7 near Crockett www.ktre.com September 5, 2011 Another fire originally started in Anderson County but moved into Houston County near the Percilla Community. This fire was apparently caused by a downed power line.Houston County Labor Day Holiday Marred by Wildfires http://houstoncountylife.com/2011/09/04/houston-county-labor-day-holiday-marred-by-wildfires/ Deaton Cole Fire The grass fire in Val Verde County, 30 mi km southwest of Ozona burned 175000 acre km2. The fire started on April 25 and the cause is unknown. The fire was controlled on May 10. Delhi Fire On September 4, a fire began near Jeddo, Texas in Caldwell County.Delhi http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/2593/ InciWeb 8 September 2011August 2026 InternetArchiveBot The next day, 6 homes were burned, including 1000 acres km2. Dickens Complex The Dickens Complex of fires in Dickens County consisted of the Edwards, Batch Camp, South Camp, and Afton fires. The fires were started by lightning strikes on May 7. The fires were contained on May 15 after burning 89200 acre km2. Encino Fire thumb|Smoke from the Encino Fire. Taken from the Texas Bank Sports Complex The Encino Fire was located 15 – 20 mi km 0 South of San Angelo. It started from a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. The fire consumed over 12000 acre km2 but destroyed no buildings. Moore Fire (Gladewater) This fire, which was described by a longtime sheriff as "the fastest moving fire he had ever seen", burned 1,400 acres, destroying six houses and many barns. Outbuildings and pieces of equipment were also lost. More tragically, 2 fatalities occurred in a mobile home, when a mother and her 18-month-old daughter were unable to escape the fast moving blaze. A house mate was injured but was able to escape the blaze.Wind-driven fires kill woman, child in East Texas https://web.archive.org/web/20120910062045/http://www.wfaa.com/news/texas-news/Woman-and-child-killed-in-East-Texas-wildfire-129255073.html September 10, 2012. WFAA.com. September 5, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2011. The fires moved so quickly due to the extremely dry conditions and the high winds, sometimes reaching 40 mph. The fire was later extinguished despite state firefighting resources being stretched to their limits.Texas Wildfire spreads rapidly http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/09/05/texas-wildfire-spread-rapidly-scorched-several-parts-state/ 2011-09-12 https://archive.today/20130119192434/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/09/05/texas-wildfire-spread-rapidly-scorched-several-parts-state/ 2013-01-19 dead Griffith League Scout Ranch Fire This fire started around 2 pm on October 4, 2011, at Oak Hill Cemetery Road, east of FM 2336, near the Griffith League Scout Ranch. It grew to 100 acres within two hours, 1,000 acres by nightfall. The outbreak was 25% contained by 8:30pm following the efforts of seven bulldozers and over 30 fire trucks with assistance from four aircraft that dumped 90,000 gallons of fire retardant onto the blaze. As of the morning of October 5, 50 homes had been evacuated.https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/10/05/Another-wildfire-breaks-out-in-Texas/94091317816071/ Another wildfire breaks out in Texas UPI900 acre brush fire burns northeast of Bastrop http://www.texas-fire.com/2011/10/fire-burning-near-bastrop/ 2011-10-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20111101071121/http://www.texas-fire.com/2011/10/fire-burning-near-bastrop/ November 1, 2011 dead The 5,000-acre ranch had already lost approximately 1,000 acres to fire on September 4 and 5.Fire Notes: TxDOT concerned about damage to roads; fifth of Griffith League Scout camp blackened http://www.statesman.com/news/local/fire-notes-txdot-concerned-about-damage-to-roads-1824440.html?printArticle=y https://archive.today/20130203031913/http://www.statesman.com/news/local/fire-notes-txdot-concerned-about-damage-to-roads-1824440.html?printArticle=y dead February 3, 2013 350 acres had burned previously in a wildfire on August 21, 2010.Bastrop County brush fire contained http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/crews-work-to-contain-large-brush-fire 2011-10-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20100824051516/http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/crews-work-to-contain-large-brush-fire 2010-08-24 dead Hodde Lane Fire On September 4th, 2011 a series of wildfires started in the Pflugerville, Texas area. The day began with the Pfluger Fire which was located in downtown Pflugerville, and the Gattlinberg Fire later on in the day. The third and largest wildfire was named the Hodde Lane Fire, and was located just east of Pflugerville. The fire eventually grew to approximately 300 acres, and approixmately 300 homes were evaucated. Ultimately, three structures were burned. Texas Forest Service dozers responded from Bastrop (before the Bastrop fire started), two Starflight helicopters, and over 70 units from the region responded to the fire. Horseshoe Fire On August 15, 2011, a wildfire broke out in central Leander, Texas. 189 homes in the surrounding area were immediately evacuated. The fire burned 30 acres in total and raced through a mobile-home neighborhood, destroying 15 homes and multiple vehicles.https://www.hillcountrynews.com/stories/15-homes-destroyed-7-damaged-in-leander-fire,49835 15 homes destroyed, 7 damaged in Leander fire Hill Country News Since it broke out on Horseshoe Drive, it is known as the Horseshoe Fire. This was the first of two destructive fires Leander experienced within three weeks, the second being the Moonglow Fire. Iron Mountain Fire The cause of the Iron Mountain Fire is unknown. The fire started on May 9 in Brewster County about 25 mi km east of Alpine eventually getting to within 10 mi km of the town. The fire burned over 89400 acre km2. Moonglow Fire On September 5, a wildfire broke out in the Mason Creek North subdivision (on Moonglow Drive) in Leander. Police declared the cause to be arson.http://www.kvue.com/news/Leander-Police-investigating-possible-arson-in-wildfire-129363568.html/ Leander police investigating possible arson in wildfire Feb 4, 2023 The fire destroyed 11 homes and damaged nine. The Moonglow fire was the second destructive wildfire Leander had experienced within three weeks, leading the Leander City Council to declare the city a disaster area shortly thereafter. Pedernales Bend Fire The Pedernales Bend Fire (also known as the Spicewood fire and Pedernales Fire One) was a fire that began on September 4 near Lake Travis.Wildfires destroy homes, force evacuations; Pedernales, Pflugerville, Cedar Park among areas affected http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/04/wildfires_destroy_homes_force.html?cxntfid=blogs_the_blotter Austin American Statesman 7 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20121014172341/http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/04/wildfires_destroy_homes_force.html/?cxntfid=blogs_the_blotter 2012-10-14 dead Fanned by strong winds, the fire quickly grew, forcing residents in a 3 mi km radius of the fire to evacuate the area.Firefighters battle 400-acre blaze north of Dripping Springs http://smmercury.com/21126/first-responders-fight-400-acre-blaze-north-of-dripping-springs/ https://archive.today/20130202112551/http://smmercury.com/21126/first-responders-fight-400-acre-blaze-north-of-dripping-springs/ usurped February 2, 2013 San Marcos Local News 5 September 2011 30 December 2011 By the end of the day, the fire was estimated to have engulfed 400 acres km2. The next day, the fire already destroyed 20 homes and moved across the Pedernales River, continuing to burn in Hays County.Pedernales Fire One destroys estimated 20 homes http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280308/pedernales-fire-one-destroys-estimated-20-homes TWEAN News Channel of Austin 7 September 2011 March 31, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120331101336/http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280308/pedernales-fire-one-destroys-estimated-20-homes dead Most of the fire moved to the west of the river, where it destroyed an additional 65 structures and engulfed a total of 6,400 acres km2.For Pedernales Bend residents, a mix of good and very bad http://www.statesman.com/news/local/for-pedernales-bend-residents-a-mix-of-good-1821549.html https://archive.today/20130203054139/http://www.statesman.com/news/local/for-pedernales-bend-residents-a-mix-of-good-1821549.html dead 3 February 2013 Austin American Statesman 7 September 2011 The fire also cut power from 545 homes.Fire crews working fire in Pedernales Bend area http://www.kens5.com/news/129270133.html KENS 5-TV, Inc 7 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120326013844/http://www.kens5.com/news/129270133.html 2012-03-26 dead However, the growing fire slowed down as it was quickly contained, and on September 7, the fire was completely contained.Pedernales fire 100 percent contained, residents return home http://www.kvue.com/news/Pedernales-fire-100-percent-contained-residents-return-home-129415098.html KVUE News 7 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120326041924/http://www.kvue.com/news/Pedernales-fire-100-percent-contained-residents-return-home-129415098.html 2012-03-26 dead In total, 65 structures were destroyed, including 34 homes. The fire burned 6,400 acres km2 in total. Possum Kingdom Complex The Possum Kingdom Complex is a grouping of four wildfires that has consumed about 148000 acre km2 in Stephens, Young and Palo Pinto counties."Texas wildfires destroy a million acres" BBC News. April 20, 2011. The complex consists of the Possum Kingdom West Fire (90,000 acres), Possum Kingdom East Fire 11000 acre km2, Hohertz Fire 40000 acre km2 and Jackson Ranch Fire 7000 acre km2."Texas Forest Service Wildfire Update: Thursday Morning" KTXS. April 21, 2011 The fire destroyed 166 homes and two churches. 600 more homes were threatened. Possum Kingdom State Park was closed on April 15. Ninety percent of the park was involved in the fire. 450 firefighters, three helitankers and three helicopters fought the fire along a 270 mi km on fire line.Mike Roark "Possum Kingdom wildfire still just 25 percent contained" Repoternews https://web.archive.org/web/20120315063356/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/apr/23/possum-kingdom-wildfire-just-25-percent/ March 15, 2012 . April 23, 2011. On August 30, 2011, another outbreak of wildfires ravaged the Possum Kingdom Lake area, continuing well into September and destroying 39 homes by the time of containment. thumb|Possum Kingdom Lake after the fire thumb|Close-up of destroyed houses near Possum Kingdom Lake Riley Road Fire The Riley Road Fire started on September 5 in Grimes County and quickly spread South with the aid of high winds crossing over into Waller County. Within three days, the fire had scorched at least 12,500 acres and destroyed over 100 homes in Grimes, Montgomery and Waller counties. By September 10, the fire had been 100% contained and burned out with no further damage.http://www.khou.com/news/Wildfire-threatening-Renaissance-Festival-grounds-in-Grimes-County-129268548.html Texas Forest Service: Riley Road Fire 100-percent contained 2011-09-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20110910112831/http://www.khou.com/news/Wildfire-threatening-Renaissance-Festival-grounds-in-Grimes-County-129268548.html 2011-09-10 dead Rock House Fire The Rock House Fire began on April 9 west of Marfa. An electrical short in an abandoned building is believed to have started the fire. The fire burned more than 314444 acre km2 across Presidio and Jeff Davis counties.http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/main/popup.aspx?id=3818 Texas A&M Forest Service Home PageDecember 2020https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5280917 Texas Fires Swallow Part of Panhandle NPR.orgDecember 2020 The fire destroyed 24 homes and two businesses, and killed herds of cattle and 4 horses. On April 10, Davis Mountains State Park was closed indefinitely due to the proximity of the fire. The park was used as a staging and camping area for firefighters for the duration of the fire. Texas State Highway 118 was also closed at several times during the fire. Scenic Brook Fire On the morning of April 17, Michael Weathers, a homeless man, started a campfire to cook his breakfast. He later left the campfire unattended, and the hot coals started a fire that spread into the Scenic Brook neighborhood in Austin.Noelle Newton "Homeless man arrested for arson, homeless camp safety questioned" Kvue.com https://web.archive.org/web/20110423232159/http://www.kvue.com/home/Homeless-man-arrested-for-arson-victims-question-homeless-camp-safety-120139629.html April 23, 2011 . April 18, 2011. Two C-130 airplanes dispersed fire retardant chemicals. Police and EMS helicopters equipped with buckets dropped water on the blaze. The fire covered about 100 acre km2, destroyed 11 homes and damaged 10 others.Hilary Hylton "Austin Anxiety: Coping with the Texas Wildfires" Time. April 21, 2011. Weathers was arrested and charged with arson. Schwartz Fire The Schwartz Fire started May 7 and the cause is still under investigation. Conditions optimal for wildfires were in place at the time of the fire with temperatures over 100 F C on, relative humidity values near 5 percent, and gusts as strong as 35 mph on. The fire began 20 mi km east of Marathon in Brewster County and burned about 83000 acre km2. Two structures were directly threatened by the fire and another sixteen indirectly, but none structures were lost.National Weather Service Midland/Odessa Storm Event Report for Wildfire in the Davis / Apache Mountains Area https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298708 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 13, 2019 Midland, Texas 2011 Swenson Fire Sparks from a cutting torch started the Swenson Fire on April 6 near Aspermont and burned 122500 acre km2 in King, Knox, and Stonewall counties but caused minimal structure damage. Two unoccupied houses were lost.Greg Kendall-Ball "Swenson Fire now 80% contained" Your Abilene Online https://web.archive.org/web/20120315063514/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/apr/11/swenson-fire-now-80-contained/?partner=RSS March 15, 2012 . Apr 11, 2011. White Hat Fire The White Hat Fire was started during the morning hours of June 20 about 8.5 mi km on west of Blackwell, Texas in Nolan County.White Hat http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/2360/ InciWeb 28 June 2011August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Bulldozers, fire engines, and heavy tankers were sent to handle the fire. However, towards the end of the day, no containment of the fire was reported, and it had already destroyed 7 houses and had enlarged to a size greater than 20,000 acres km2 on.Fast-moving fire endangers Blackwell http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/jun/20/fast-moving-wildfire-endangers-blackwell/ Abilene Reporter-News 28 June 2011 March 15, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120315064011/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/jun/20/fast-moving-wildfire-endangers-blackwell/ dead Soon, residents east of the community of Maryneal would be evacuated. The next day, the fire continued to spread, reaching a size of 65,000 acres km2 on and burning down an additional 5 structures. 100 firefighters were sent to battle the flames.White Hat Fire claims 12 structures http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/jun/21/white-hat-fire-claims-12-structures/ Abilene Reporter-News 28 June 2011 June 27, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110627015503/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/jun/21/white-hat-fire-claims-12-structures/ dead On June 22, progress was made and the fire was 50% contained.Trent blaze burns 500 acres; progress made on Maryneal fire http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/jun/22/trent-blaze-burns-500-acres-progress-made-on/ Abilene Reporter-News 28 June 2011 March 15, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120315064038/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/jun/22/trent-blaze-burns-500-acres-progress-made-on/ dead Due to lower winds the next day, the fire decreased and became 70% contained, but it had already burned 70,900 acres km2 on of land and charred 35 homes.White Hat Fire In Nolan County Grows To 70,900 Acres http://www.ktxs.com/news/28334607/detail.html KTXS 12 (News 12 Abilene) 28 June 2011 June 26, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110626075223/http://www.ktxs.com/news/28334607/detail.html dead The fire continued to decrease in size over the next days. On June 27, the fire was declared fully contained after burning 72,473 acres km2 on. Wildcat Fire thumb|Smoke from the Wildcat Fire seen from U.S. 67 near Miles, Texas. The Wildcat Fire started on April 11 at approximately 0030 from a lightning strike in southern Coke County west of Robert Lee. The fire was held within a 30-acre area until approximately 1630 on April 14. A wind shift coupled with increased wind speeds and rough terrain, enabled the fire to breach established fire lines. Forty mph winds pushed the fire east, reaching TX Hwy 208, before shifting to the south. The flame front was estimated to move at 400 ft per minute. Winds later shifted and pushed fire south. Local officials alerted residents of Grape Creek and Quail Valley, small communities north of San Angelo, to prepare for evacuation. By April 16, the winds again shifted and moved the fire north towards Robert Lee, forcing evacuations of the Edith community, and houses along both FM 2034 and Hwy 208 Texas State Highway 208. On April 17, Bronte was under a recommended evacuation, but the evacuation notice expired the same day. By April 18, the fire burned an estimated 100000 acre km2, with a 10% containment, then the same day a confirmed 30% containment was stated. On April 21, the fire was at 75% containment, after burning 159308 acre km2. Despite several structures being lost, mostly limited to outbuildings, isolated barns, and hunters' camps, the fire claimed only one unoccupied home. Wildfire summary The following is a list of fires that burned more than 10000 acres, or produced significant structural damage or loss of life. Name County Acres Starting date Containment date NotesRefLipscomb County ComplexLipscomb15,908February 16, 2011February 16, 2011The complex was composed of two fires—Higgins and FM3260—that both began and were contained nearly simultaneously.National Weather Service Amarillo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Lipscomb County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=285746 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaMatador ComplexMotley41,000February 27, 2011February 28, 2011The complex was the combination of at least two fires that began in western Motley County. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. At least two homes sustained severe damage.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Motley County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=278134 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaSo CloseBorger21,500February 27, 2011February 28, 2011Five people were injured and twenty structures were damaged.National Weather Service Amarillo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Hutchinson County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=285757 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaWillow Creek South ComplexPotter24,310February 27, 2011March 1, 2011Twenty-nine homes were destroyed resulting in $10 million in damage.National Weather Service Amarillo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Potter County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=285762 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaLocust GroveLipscomb19,200February 27, 2011February 28, 2011One structure was lost.National Weather Service Amarillo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Lipscomb County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=285776 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina—Crockett22,958February 27, 2011National Weather Service San Angelo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Crockett County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=287009 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaMitchell County ComplexMitchell18,370February 27, 2011March 4, 2011SwensonStonewall122,500April 6, 2011April 21, 2011Economic damage was estimated at $2.54 million. Two homes were destroyed.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Stonewall County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=296127 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaRoperBrewster41,000April 9, 2011April 13, 2011National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Brewster County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298398 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaHickmanMidland16,500April 9, 2011April 10, 2011Five hundred people were evacuated and 34 homes were destroyed, causing $2.7 million in damage.National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Midland County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298276 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaPrenticeTerry15,500April 9, 2011April 9, 2011Three outbuildings and fifty utility poles were destroyed.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Terry County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=303030 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaKilloughGarza54,500April 9, 2011April 14, 2011One home and an oil field station were destroyed. The fire prompted the evacuation of sixty homes.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Garza County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=303031 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaRockhousePresidio, Jeff Davis314,444April 9, 2011May 12, 2011The fire destroyed 41 homes while another 260 were saved. The damage toll reached $5 million and several heads of cattle and animals were killed. At the time, the wildfire was the second largest in Texas history.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in the Davis/Apache Mountains https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298275 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaCrawford RanchMoore35,097April 9, 2011April 10, 2011Four firefighters were injured, though one later died of his injuries.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Moore County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=305309 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina—Hartley12,234April 9, 2011April 10, 2011Was the combination of two fires.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Moore County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=305312 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaPossum Kingdom ComplexPalo Pinto, Stephens126,734April 9, 2011April 29, 2011Four fires that began in two counties combined over the course of ten days. Ninety percent of Possum Kingdom State Park was burned by the wildfires, as well as 167 homes and 2 churches, resulting in over $150 million in damage.National Weather Service Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Palo Pinto County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=294293 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaNational Weather Service Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Stephens County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=294294 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaNational Weather Service Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Stephens County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=2942924 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina August 2023 InternetArchiveBot yes WildcatTom Green159,308April 10, 2011Prompted the evacuations of several communities north of San Angelo, Texas.National Weather Service San Angelo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Tom Green County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=305155 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaEncinoTom Green12,659April 10, 2011Two homes were damaged.National Weather Service San Angelo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Tom Green County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=305149 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaSuttonCrockett30,814April 10, 2011April 23, 2011National Weather Service San Angelo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Crockett County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=305171 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaTexas Forest Service Cooper Mountain Ranch http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2170/ InciWeb Inciweb.org June 14, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20110426232726/http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2175/ April 26, 2011 April 23, 2011Cooper Mountain RanchKent162,625April 11, 2011April 22, 2011Five homes were destroyed by the fire.CannonPecos63,427April 12, 2011April 30, 2011National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Pecos County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298278 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaFrying Pan RanchAndrews80,907April 14, 2011April 21, 2011National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Pecos County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298374 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaDeaton ColeVal Verde175,000April 25, 2011May 10, 2011Rios Jennifer Deaton Cole Fire contained, officials say http://archive.gosanangelo.com/news/deaton-cole-fire-contained-officials-say-ep-439847663-356807011.html/ June 15, 2019 Standard-Times Standard Times May 11, 2011 San Angelo, TexasC-BarCrane13,000April 26, 2011April 28, 2011Later merged with the Pleasant Farms fire.National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Crane County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298400 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaScott RanchIrion11,233April 26, 2011May 2, 2011Destroyed several utility poles.National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Irion County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=305334 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 14, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaNational Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Irion County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=349575 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaDickens ComplexDickens90,000May 6, 2011May 11, 2011Two sheds were burned following the combination of several wildfires.National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Dickens County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=314596 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaSchwartzBrewster83,000May 7, 2011May 22, 2011National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in the Davis / Apache Mountains Area https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=298708 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaIron MountainBrewster80,000May 9, 2011May 22, 2011DerickAndrews25,000May 24, 2011May 25, 2011The fire destroyed 110 power poles.National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Andrews County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=299398 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaCanyonRandall16,373May 24, 2011May 27, 2011One home was destroyed. A church camp lost two cottages and two storage buildings in addition to other structures on the campgrounds. Damage was estimated at $1.5 million.National Weather Service Amarillo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Randall County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=314245 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaFM 296Dallam15,000May 24, 2011May 25, 2011National Weather Service Amarillo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Dallam County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=314192 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaDos AmigosCoke19,391June 8, 2011June 16, 2011Vehicles and a deer camp were destroyed by the fire.National Weather Service San Angelo, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Coke County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=320656 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina—Motley30,000June 11, 2011June 12, 2011National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Motley County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=319005 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaSmac RanchBrooks32,000June 18, 2011June 22, 2011The fire impacted several ranches and deer hunting camp structures.National Weather Service Brownsville, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Brooks County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=311704 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaBear CreekCass41,000September 2, 2011September 13, 2011Largest fire in East Texas history. Ninety-one structures were burned and one person was injured, with a total damage toll of $6 million.National Weather Service Shreveport, Louisiana Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Cass County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=338814 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaBastrop County ComplexBastrop34,068September 4, 2011October 10, 2011Most destructive fire in Texas history, with 1,669 homes and 40 commercial buildings destroyed and a damage toll of $250 million. Two people were killed.National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Bastrop County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=349876 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North CarolinaRiley RoadGrimes18,960September 5, 2011September 15, 2011The fire destroyed 76 structures and damaged another 23.National Weather Service Houston, Texas Storm Event Report for Wildfire in Grimes County, Texas https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=349605 Storm Events Database National Centers for Environmental Information June 17, 2019 Asheville, North Carolina Volunteers respond Nearly 35,000 Texans are members of the state's 1,497 fully volunteer fire departments (VFDs) and 292 combined volunteer and paid departments. Those combination departments have about 6,200 paid firefighters, while the state's 139 fully paid departments have more than 19,500 firefighters primarily focused on protecting the state's municipalities, according to Texas Forest Service records. While some state and federal grant funding is available for fire departments, most fire protection is funded at a local level through taxation or donations.Texans on the Fireline https://web.archive.org/web/20140222145610/http://www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/fnotes/fn1111/fires.php 2014-02-22 Fiscal Notes. Retrieved 2/11/14. See also Report indicates Texas state parks still suffering following worst drought on record Texas wildfires push public resources to the limit At least four dead and hundreds of homes destroyed after week of wildfires rage throughout Texas Drought conditions and high winds lead to wildfires in Texas Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas References External links United States Drought Monitor Texas Wildfire Review: Did Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?: Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, October 17, 2011 Texas, 2011 2011 Wildfires Texas