Ox Bow Fire 2026

At 4:57 pm on Friday May 15th, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance for a fire 9 miles Northeast of Turkry, Texas west of FM Road 657. In coordination with local fire departments, Texas A&M Forest Service resources are responded with additional firefighters, heavy equipment, and aviation resources. Crews are working in unified command with local resources. Moderate to high fire behavior in difficult terrain was observed. 

As of Saturday morning, the fire activity was significantly better, but smokes remain visible. Fire engines will engage in a mapping mission today, and will scout the head of the fire. Dozers will work the head of the fire if conditions allow. 

Update - May 16, 6:45 p.m. - Earlier today, the fire was established in two different draws. The left finger was fully lined and the right finger had resources able to access on foot. There were flare ups earlier in the day on the heel and there was a plan to conduct strategic firing operations to clean up insecure lines. At 5:00 p.m., a burnout operation was conducted on the heel of the fire. This operation went well and resources are patrolling the fire. 

As of 9:00 p.m. on May 16, the fire is 100% contained. All state resources are off of the fire. This is the final update for the Ox Bow Fire.