Comanche

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Comanche Fire ignited around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. The fire is located approximately 5 miles east of Northfield, near Cee Vee in Motley County, Texas.
Size and Containment: As of May 17, 2026, official incident reports indicate the fire has burned approximately 1,991 acres. Containment is currently estimated to be between 30% and 50%.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by southern rough, tall grass, and brush. It has exhibited moderate to high fire behavior, driven by critical weather conditions, extreme early-season heat, and highly receptive dry vegetation.
Containment Efforts: The Texas A&M Forest Service is operating in a unified command with local resources. Firefighting crews and heavy apparatus are actively working on the ground to construct and reinforce control lines to contain the blaze.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Currently, there are no active mandatory evacuation orders reported for the Comanche Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings at this time. Residents in Motley County, particularly near Northfield, are advised to remain vigilant and monitor local emergency channels.
Curfew: There are no curfews in place at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no active evacuations, no evacuation shelters have been established. The estimated number of people displaced or directly impacted by evacuations is currently zero.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no major state highway, school, or critical infrastructure closures reported.
• Local access roads approximately 5 miles east of Northfield may experience temporary restrictions to allow heavy fire apparatus and crews to work safely. Residents are advised to avoid the immediate fire area.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Current Incidents
• DriveTexas for Road Closures
• Motley County Official Website

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Comanche Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: Currently, there are no confirmed reports of structures or key infrastructure damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No school or major business closures have been announced in Motley County due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire remains primarily in rural brush and grasslands, which has fortunately limited immediate community displacement and damage to historic or notable structures.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with the fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should continue to monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Given the extreme heat and elevated fire weather conditions across the region, residents should operate under the assumption of high fire danger and strictly avoid any outdoor burning or activities that could spark a new ignition.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may pose localized health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents near the fire area are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers if smoke becomes heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have made steady progress, bringing containment up to 50% over the last 48 hours. Crews anticipate working through the coming days to fully secure the perimeter, though ongoing hot and dry conditions will continue to pose challenges to complete containment.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Elevated to critical fire weather is present in the region. The area is experiencing a significant heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 97°F to 98°F, paired with low relative humidity (around 20%) and sunny conditions. These hot, dry conditions create a highly volatile environment that could encourage further fire spread if control lines are breached.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Comanche Fire is currently undetermined and remains under investigation by authorities.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being heavily influenced by extreme fire weather and an ongoing heatwave. Texas is facing increasing fire danger exacerbated by broader climate factors, including elevated temperatures, lower humidity levels, and periodic drought conditions. The combination of extreme early-season heat and dry vegetation has made the landscape highly receptive to rapid wildfire growth.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Current Incidents
• DriveTexas for Road Closures
• Motley County Official Website