ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas – Officials have ordered a mandatory evacuation due to a fire that affected around 37 structures in south Bexar County and north Atascosa County.
The Duke Fire started around 1 p.m. on Trumbo Road but quickly expanded to Duke Road, Peaceful Lane and other roads, according to Bexar County Emergency Services Districts No. 2 Chief Ralph Rodriguez.
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The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office said multiple houses were on fire, as flames were fueled by high-speed wind gusts.
Texas A&M Forest Service stated the Duke Fire spanned 50 acres.
Authorities are asking people to avoid the area if possible and look out for first responders if driving nearby. Several roads in the community were also closed because of the flames.
As of Tuesday evening, the fire was around 90% contained. Rodriguez said if everything goes as planned, authorities will let residents return to their homes around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Rodriguez said due to the anticipation of windy conditions, two Bexar County strike teams were created to combat the fire and around 100 firefighters assisted.
In total, around 37 structures were affected, but that number could change, he said. Some of the structures were vacant while others were occupied.
One person was treated and released at the scene. A firefighter who was injured during the fire experienced difficulty breathing and was taken to a hospital in unknown condition, Rodriguez said.
An unclear number of cats were killed in the fire, Rodriguez said, noting some horses also managed to escape the area.
The Texas Department of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office, Jourdanton Fire Department, Pleasanton Fire Department and others assisted as well.