Mason County wildfire 10% contained

Firefighters are currently working to put out a wildfire in Mason County which is located about seven miles east of Mason near the intersection of North Art Road and Highway 29.  The Texas A&M Forest service said the fire, named the “North Art Complex” fire is currently an estimated 3,000 acres and 10% contained.  According to officials, the wildfire is actually a combination of three fires that were ignited late Thursday night but have been grouped into a complex due to their proximity with one another for ease management.

The Texas A&M Forest Service says the fires were initially started due to lightning strikes, and responders were building a containment line around the perimeter of the fire.  The service did not yet have information about evacuations or structure loss/damage.

A community organizer with Rancher Navy, a fire relief group for ranchers, said the Mason County Rodeo Association is opening up their facilities for people that need somewhere to take their livestock.  Mason County AgriLife Extension has shared information on its Facebook page.  The Mason County Show Barn is serving as a livestock supply point and is accepting the following donations:  hay, livestock feed, horse feed, feed troughs, water troughs, buckets, feed supplies, and fencing supplies.

A small animal evacuation site is set up at the Mason County Show Barn at 1015 San Antonio Street, Mason.  A cattle evacuation site is set up at the Jordan Cattle Auction at 204 Gooch Ave., Mason.

The fire came after the Mason County judge issued a burn ban Wednesday for the area because of the potential threat of wildfires.  The forest service will continually provide updates on the size and containment of the fire online.