Pictured above is a home that was lost during the fire.
August 21, 2023 - As of 12-midnight, the fire is reported to be 75% contained.
August 20, 2023 - As of 9pm 50% of the area on fire is reported to be contained.
Fire personnel with the Texas Forest Service, assisted by state, federal, out of state and local fire departments are working to contain a 500-acre forest fire in Shelby County allegedly started by someone burning trash.
The staging area has been established at Spann’s Chapel Missionary Baptist church.
According to Sean Dugan with the Texas A&M Forest Service, the 500 acre fire is 1% contained as of 6:24pm, and there are multiple aircraft involved as well.
There are multiple evacuations in place for County Roads 1021, 1022, 1015 and 1026. Dugan states there were one male, two females and a child who were initially reported missing, but have since been located. They were transported by EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
According to Dugan, one structure has been lost. Crews are continuing to provide structural protection and stop the fire.
The public is encouraged to continue to be careful and pay attention for any additional evacuations in the area.
County commissioners and public officials are also on scene assisting where they can, while Texas Department of Public Safety is also involved.
Several of the commissioners provided fuel to help the fire trucks re-fuel on site. Sandhill Foundation also provided tanker trucks of water to help the fire trucks refill.
Firefighters from several states also participated in fighting the 500-acre blaze. Firefighters with the Georgia Forestry Commission are pictured above.
