Single Publication

Welder Complex Update

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Size: 803 total acres

Containment: 95%

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: Firefighters completed all containment lines yesterday and began to patrol and mop up the perimeter of these fires. Engines worked around the edges of these fires looking for any areas of heat and extinguished those heats to remove any threats to the containment lines. High winds continued through the day and resources were around all of the structures within the burned area and near the fires to ensure no further structure damage.

Today: Fire engines from Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) continued to patrol the perimeter of both fires and around the structures. Heavy Equipment repaired some lines to ensure minimal long-term damage to the natural resources in the area. Additionally, some resources were staged up in preparation for new fire starts around the area with continued high fire danger. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Winds were lower today and began blowing in from the southeast. This on shore flow brought in additional moisture to the area through increased humidities that helped firefighters extinguish remaining heats in the area. Conditions will become windier tomorrow so resources plan to stay in the area to ensure these fires continue to stay in place.

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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