Single Publication

Duke Fire Final Update

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Size: 244 acres

Containment: 100%

Start Date: March 4, 2025

Cause: Undetermined, Under investigation

The Duke Fire started on March 4th, 2025, and began to grow quickly and was initially responded to by local fire departments. Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to provide additional assistance and brought additional fire engines, heavy equipment, aircraft, and fire fighters to assist with suppressing these fires. Texas A&M Forest Service is working in unified command with local fire departments, Bexar County, and Atascosa County.

This will be the final update if no additional fire growth occurs.

Yesterday: 

Firefighting crews were able to slow growth on the Duke Fire yesterday and into the night through the combined efforts of local fire departments, engines from Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), and heavy equipment from Texas A&M Forest Service. Firefighters were able to construct containment lines that protected structures and slowed fire spread as the evening went on. When crews left for the night, fire activity was greatly reduced. 

Today: Firefighters were back on scene this morning and they worked to complete the containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. Engines continue to patrol around the perimeter of the wildfire, mitigating hot spots and flare ups that were found throughout the day while continuing to look for any areas of heat that could be a threat to the containment lines. Ground crews were able to successfully work with aircraft to secure containment lines and eliminate heat in areas of concern. Some heat remains in interior areas with heavy vegetation, but they are not currently a threat to fire containment. With the containment lines completed, the heavy equipment from Texas A&M Forest Service and the engines from TIFMAS are returning to their staging locations so they are ready to respond to the next wildfire that starts. Local fire departments will continue to monitor this fire for the next few days and additional information can be found with Bexar County at https://www.bexar.org/ .

Weather and Fire Behavior: Winds are expected to remain high but lighter than yesterday allowing firefighters to better contain the wildfire and prepare for new wildfire starts. 

Evacuations: There are no evacuation orders.

Damages/Injuries: At this time there have been two local firefighters who were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. After crews assessed the area, it was determined that 45 total structures were lost: 13 residential structures and 32 outbuildings. 

Closures: There are no road closures.

Fire Information 

Information Officer

Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: information@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 979-255-0591

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-duke-fire

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