Windmill Fire 2025

On Friday, March 14, 2025, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance for a wildfire in Roberts County. When resources arrived on scene at noon, the fire was estimated to be 750 acres. The fire had jumped Country Road 16 and was close to County Road 17. Four structures are threatened off of County Road 17. Unified command was established with local command and Texas A&M Forest Service. Local heavy equipment began to work on the head of the fire. 

March 14th 2:00 pm - The fire is currently 1,500 acres and is making a wind driven run east. The head of the fire is roughly one mile wide. One additional structure is threatened. High, sustained winds remain in the fire area. There are access issues on the fire neat Highway 70 and FM 281 is closed east of Highway 70. 

March 14th 5:43 pm - The fire has increased to 2,500 acres and is 5% contained. Forward progression of the fire has been stopped according to local resources. Texas A&M Forest Service resources are working up both flanks to tie in with local equipment. The southern flank is the most active at this time. IH-40 remains closed. Evacuation orders for Alanreed and McLean have been lifted. 

March 14th 6:30 pm -  The fire is mapped at 11,000 acres and is 50% contained. Low to moderate fire activity remains in the canyon area. Rainfall has stopped most fire activity. Crews are constructing line where needed and mapping. 

March 14th 7:30 pm - The acreage is estimated to be 18,000 acres and containment remains at 50%. Fire on the right flank is actively burning on the right flank in the canyon. No more precipitation is anticipated on the fire and winds have dried out moisture received from the rain. Local resources and Texas A&M Forest Service employees are working on the right flank. 

March 14th 7:30 am - The fire was estimated to be at 23,000 acres as of last evening. Resources will be back on the fire this morning. The primary concern is the right flank of the fire in the unmapped area. 

March 15th 12:38 pm - The fire remains to be 23,000 acres and containment has increased to 65%. Strike teams are continuing to work on areas of heat on the interior of the fire perimeter. Aviation resources are assisting by reinforcing lines in the canyon bottom.

March 16th 8:30 pm - The fire is 23,147 acreage and containment has increased to 65% (Current 3/18 containment is now 95%).

March 21st - The fire is 100% contained.