Single Publication

Welder Complex Update

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Size: 782 acres for both fires in the complex

Containment: Welder Fire: 75% Railway Fire: 65%

Start Date: March 4, 2025

Cause: Undetermined, Under investigation

The Welder Complex started on March 4th, 2025 with two separate fires, the Welder fire and the Railway Fire. These fires both began to grow quickly and were 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, and fire fighters to assist with suppressing these fires.

Yesterday: Crews were able to stop growth on both fires last night and began constructing containment lines around the perimeter of the fires. Firefighters worked to secure any structures that were inside the burned area and make sure that no further damage may occur to the structures. Crews worked into the night patrolling through the burned areas and around the perimeter of the Railway Fire.

Today: Fire engines from Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) will be working around the structures inside the burn scar from the Welder fire. They will be focusing on the structures in this area working to identify and mitigate hazards and ensure there is no further damage to the structures. On the Railway Fire bulldozers will be working to complete containment lines around the outside of the fire to allow fire engines to patrol the line and mop up any areas of heat. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: High winds are expected again today but not at the level that was observed yesterday. Forecasts show winds around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph out of the north. Humidity values will be higher than they were yesterday as well, leading to better conditions for fire fighters to hold the fires within the containment lines.

Evacuations: All evacuation orders have been lifted at this time. Please use caution as you return to your homes, areas that are within the burn scar may have damaged power lines and damaged trees that could fall from winds. Fire crews will still be working in the area so use caution as you drive around.

Damages/Injuries: There are damaged structures at this time and crews are working to evaluate and assess the level of damage and protect all structures within the burned areas. There were four firefighters who received minor injuries, were treated, and returned home.

Closures: All road closures have been lifted at this time.

Fire Information 

Heather Gonzales

Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: hgonzales@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 361-212-9270

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-welder-complex

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