Texas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Texas - August 11, 2026

Overview

Texas is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a prolonged period of hot, dry conditions, characterized by extreme heat, low humidity, and dry vegetation blanketing large regions of the state. August is typically the peak month for wildfires in Texas, and this combination of factors has led to potentially risky situations, particularly in the Panhandle, North Texas, and East Texas. The current National Preparedness Level is 5, indicating that national firefighting resources are heavily committed across the country. The Texas Wildfire Preparedness Level is currently at Level 3.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Texas, and significant wildland fire activity is requiring state and local support to manage incident objectives. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has activated additional state wildfire response resources, including heavy equipment and aviation support. The potential for new significant wildfires to start in the next several days remains high. Firefighters are working to contain these fires while also preparing for potential new starts.

Key Fires:

• Bufford Creek Fire: Located near Breckenridge in Stephens County, this fire started on August 10, 2026, and has burned approximately 1,500 acres. It is currently 25% contained. The fire is being fueled by dry brush and ranchland grass. It has prompted a local state of disaster declaration, and residents north and west of the Highway 67 corridor have been advised to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate if directed by emergency personnel.
• Brown Fire: Started on August 9, 2026, in Oldham County near Adrian, this fire has burned 750 acres. Firefighters are facing rough terrain and access issues due to sandy soil. Forward progression has been stopped, and aviation resources have been assisting ground crews in suppression efforts.
• Saxon Fire: Located near Bertram in Burnet County, this fire started on August 9, 2026, and has burned over 300 acres. It is currently 70% contained. The fire was caused by outdoor burning and is fueled by dry grasses. It prompted temporary evacuations in the surrounding area and resulted in the loss of one barn. Crews are continuing to work on extinguishing hotspots.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the severe dry conditions, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged and restricted in many areas. Numerous counties, including McLennan, Smith, and Cherokee counties, have implemented strict outdoor burn bans. Residents are urged to postpone any outdoor burning and avoid activities that could create sparks, as new fires can ignite and spread rapidly.
Air Quality: Smoke from active wildfires, such as the Bufford Creek Fire, may impact local air quality and visibility along nearby highways, including State Highway 67. Residents in affected areas should use caution, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Texas is experiencing extreme heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F (reaching 102-105°F in some areas). Relative humidity values are critically low, dropping to near 15-25% during the afternoon. Gusty southwesterly winds of 15-25 mph are present across the state.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings and Elevated Fire Weather Warnings are active or expected for parts of the state, including East Texas and areas near the I-35 corridor, through the next 72 hours. A strong drying trend is expected to continue, with warmer and drier conditions anticipated, which may increase fire behavior. Winds are expected to remain gusty (up to 30-35 mph), potentially fanning flames and supporting rapid fire growth.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. Residents must adhere strictly to local burn bans, avoid parking on dry grass, and properly dispose of smoking materials.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging extreme heat conditions. The state has activated additional wildfire response resources, including firefighters, bulldozers, motor graders, and federally contracted firefighting aircraft, to support local responders and protect lives and property.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Texas A&M Forest Service: tfsweb.tamu.edu
Texas Division of Emergency Management: tdem.texas.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.