Armstrong Oaks

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Armstrong Oaks Fire ignited in the afternoon around 3:39 p.m. CDT on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The fire is located in a rural area of Kenedy County, Texas, approximately 22 miles southeast of Falfurrias and 14.9 miles northwest of Armstrong.
Size and Containment: As of the latest reports over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 2,245 to 2,300 acres and is currently 85% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been fueled primarily by timber (grass and understory) and brush up to 2 feet tall. Initially exhibiting active fire behavior with spotting, the fire's growth has been largely halted. The ongoing drought conditions in South Texas have left the fuels cured, creating an environment highly favorable for the spread of wildfires.
Containment Efforts: The fire is operating under a joint command between the Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments. The Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to provide assistance with aircraft, heavy equipment, and firefighters. At its peak, approximately 60 personnel were assigned to the incident. Crews have made excellent progress in establishing containment lines, and no new spot fires have been reported recently.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Currently, there are no mandatory evacuation orders or evacuation warnings in place for the Armstrong Oaks Fire. Because the fire is located in a remote, unpopulated area of Kenedy County, no evacuation shelters have been opened, and no residents are reported to be directly impacted by evacuations at this time.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:
There are no major road closures, school closures, or infrastructure closures reported in relation to the Armstrong Oaks Fire. Traffic in the surrounding areas of Kenedy County remains unaffected.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer
• Texas A&M Forest Service Official X (formerly Twitter)
• DriveTexas - Highway Conditions and Closures

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Armstrong Oaks Fire.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports of any structures damaged or destroyed. The fire is burning in a rural stretch of Kenedy County away from residential developments.
School and Business Closures: No schools or businesses have been closed due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The primary impact has been on the local landscape, brush, and vegetation. No notable people or structures have been affected.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to this incident.
Water Safety: No water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Kenedy County and many surrounding counties in the Coastal Bend are under active burn bans due to the ongoing drought and elevated fire risk. Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor burning, ensure towing chains are secured to prevent sparking, and properly dispose of cigarettes.
Air Quality: While smoke from the fire may be visible in the immediate vicinity, there are no widespread air quality alerts currently issued. However, individuals with respiratory conditions should remain cautious if smoke drifts into their area.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have achieved 85% containment and are continuing to monitor the area to ensure no new spot fires ignite. Containment efforts are projected to reach 100% in the coming days as crews mop up remaining hot spots and reinforce existing fire lines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Weather conditions continue to pose a slight concern for flare-ups. The forecast for Kenedy County calls for sunny skies with high temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s, and minimum relative humidity dropping to around 30% to 38%. Southeasterly winds are expected to persist, with occasional gusts up to 15 mph. These dry, warm, and breezy conditions require firefighters to remain vigilant.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Armstrong Oaks Fire is currently under investigation, though initial incident reports indicate it was human-caused, related to debris and open burning (specifically an escaped prescribed burn).
Weather and Climate: Extreme climate and weather patterns have played a significant role in this fire. The region is experiencing ongoing drought conditions, which have thoroughly cured the vegetation and turned it into highly flammable fuel. In early 2026, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) projected above-normal wildfire risk for Texas due to persistent atmospheric patterns resembling La Niña, which typically reduce precipitation and increase temperatures. This combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels created the exact conditions that allowed the Armstrong Oaks Fire to ignite and spread.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer
• Texas A&M Forest Service Official X (formerly Twitter)
• DriveTexas - Highway Conditions and Closures