Blue Hills



1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Blue Hills Fire ignited on February 1, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM in Moore County, Texas, east of FM 1913 and north of Blue West Rd[5]. **Size and Containment** As of the latest update, the fire has burned an estimated 3,868 acres and is 85% contained[2][5]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** Initially reported as a 300-acre fire, it rapidly expanded due to high winds and rough topography. The fire was fueled by tall grass and pushed northeast by southwest winds. By the evening of February 1, the forward progression of the fire was stopped around 5:00 PM through the efforts of ground crews, heavy equipment, and aviation support[1][4][5]. **Containment Efforts** The Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) is working in unified command with Moore County and the National Parks Service. The response includes ground crews, dozers, and aircraft, with 41 personnel on site. Fire breaks were constructed using county motor graders and TAMFS dozers, and aviation resources made beneficial retardant drops[1][4][5].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Mandatory Evacuation Orders** Evacuations were ordered for residents of Bugbee and campgrounds at Lake Meredith National Park. However, these evacuations have since been lifted, allowing residents to return home[1][4][5]. **Evacuation Shelters** Evacuees were directed to Celebration Church in Fritch, TX, for refuge[1]. **Estimated Number of People Impacted** The exact number of people impacted is not specified, but it includes residents of Bugbee and those using the campgrounds at Lake Meredith National Park. **Locations** Specific road closures are not detailed in the available updates, but residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to allow firefighters room to work. **For more information, visit:** - [InciWeb's Blue Hills Fire page]: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-blue-hills-fire - [Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer]: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/currentsituation/ - [Wildfire Trackers Blue Hills Fire page]: https://wildfiretrackers.com/f/fires/txtxs-blue-hills-fire

3. Current Impact

**Injuries and Fatalities** There are no reported fatalities or injuries directly attributed to the Blue Hills Fire[1][4][5]. **Structures Impacted** One outbuilding has been reported lost due to the fire[4]. **Power Outages** There is no mention of power outages related to the Blue Hills Fire. **Notable Impacts** The fire has affected the campgrounds at Lake Meredith National Park and the residential area of Bugbee. Air quality and local travel have been impacted, but no significant structural damage beyond the one outbuilding has been reported[1][4][5].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** With 85% containment, efforts are ongoing to fully extinguish the fire. Crews continue to construct fire lines, mop up hot spots, and monitor the fire's activity, especially with expected wind conditions[2][4][5]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** Current weather conditions are relatively favorable, with increased relative humidity and lower temperatures overnight. However, winds are expected to pick up to 15-20 mph from the southwest, and no precipitation is forecasted. This could pose a challenge to containment efforts[2][5].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The cause of the Blue Hills Fire is currently unknown and under investigation[1][4][5]. **Weather and Climate** The fire is fueled by tall grass and has been exacerbated by high winds and rough topography. The area experienced favorable weather conditions overnight with increased relative humidity and lower temperatures, but winds are expected to increase, which could affect containment efforts. The fire environment is characterized by low humidity and no expected precipitation, contributing to the fire's spread and intensity[1][4][5].

Citations

['https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/txtxs-blue-hills-fire/blue-hills-fire-212025-400-pm-update-02-01-2025', 'https://wildfiretrackers.com/f/fires/txtxs-blue-hills-fire', 'https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/currentsituation/', 'https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/txtxs-blue-hills-fire/blue-hills-fire-212025-800-pm-update-02-02-2025', 'https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-blue-hills-fire']