Ox Bow

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Ox Bow Fire ignited on Friday, May 15, 2026, with initial satellite heat signatures detected around 1:52 PM. The fire is located off County Road 657 near Highway 86, northeast of Turkey in Hall County, Texas.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates, the fire has burned 1,014.7 acres and is 100% contained. The incident was officially deactivated from active tracking on May 17, 2026, meaning there has been no active fire growth over the last 72 hours.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire was primarily fueled by freeze-cured grasses and brush typical of the High Plains region. It exhibited a rapid initial rate of spread, growing from an estimated 200 acres to 3,000 acres within an hour, before more accurate mapping by fire officials revised the size down to 1,014.7 acres. The rapid growth was driven by extreme fire weather, including near 100-degree temperatures, single-digit humidity, and gusty outflow winds.
Containment Efforts: The Texas A&M Forest Service led the response efforts. Firefighters, utilizing engines and dozers to work the head of the fire, made significant progress quickly and achieved 100% containment by the evening of May 16.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: I cannot find any information regarding mandatory evacuation orders for the Ox Bow Fire at this time.
Evacuation Warnings: I cannot find any information regarding evacuation warnings.
Curfew: I cannot find any information regarding curfews in the area.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: I cannot find any information regarding evacuation shelters.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• I cannot find any information regarding road, school, or infrastructure closures related to the Ox Bow Fire.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer
• DriveTexas - Highway Conditions
• Texas Division of Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: I cannot find any information regarding injuries or fatalities associated with the Ox Bow Fire.
Structures Impacted: I cannot find any information regarding structures damaged or destroyed by the fire at this time.
School and Business Closures: I cannot find any information on school or business closures.
Notable Impacts: I cannot find any information regarding notable people or landmarks impacted by this fire.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: I cannot find any information regarding power outages related to this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: On May 8, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott issued and renewed a disaster proclamation related to severe fire weather conditions, which includes Hall County. Residents must adhere to all local burn bans and fire restrictions, as the environment remains highly susceptible to new ignitions.
Air Quality: While the fire is contained, residual smoke may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to monitor local air quality and limit outdoor exposure if smoke is present.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is 100% contained and currently inactive. Because the fire was fully contained on May 16 and deactivated on May 17, there are no active containment operations or spread projections for the last 72 hours.
Weather and Wind Warnings: During the fire's active period, the area experienced hot surface temperatures breaching 100 degrees, upper single-digit humidity, and breezy winds. While the fire is contained, the region remains at risk for isolated thunderstorms and dry lightning. Residents should continue to monitor local National Weather Service forecasts for ongoing red flag or wind warnings.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Ox Bow Fire is currently under investigation, though dry lightning from recent thunderstorms has been a significant ignition source in the High Plains region.
Weather and Climate: The fire was heavily fueled by extreme fire weather conditions. The region is experiencing a persistent atmospheric pattern resembling La Niña, which typically reduces precipitation and increases temperatures across Texas. Earlier in the year, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) projected an above-normal wildfire risk for the state due to these specific climate factors.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Current Incidents
• Watch Duty Wildfire Map
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)