Texas A&M Forest Service crews and local firefighters have achieved 90% containment on the Bufford Creek Fire in Stephens County as of Tuesday, with the blaze’s footprint adjusted to 3,025 acres.
The fire ignited around 1 p.m. Monday, roughly five miles north of Breckenridge along State Highway 67, and spread rapidly northward, crossing FM 1800 amid hot, dry conditions.
Stephens County, located about 100 miles west of Fort Worth and 60 miles northeast of Abilene, issued a local state of disaster declaration Monday as the fire grew. Emergency officials continue urging residents to remain vigilant and report any smoke or flames to 911.
Rapid Growth Under Hot, Dry Conditions
The wildfire expanded quickly Monday. Texas A&M Forest Service updates tracked it from an estimated 300 acres with 0% containment early in the response, to roughly 1,500 acres and 25% containment by evening, before the Tuesday adjustment to 3,025 acres at 90% containment.
Update: the #BuffordCreekFire in Stephens County is 3,025 acres and 90% contained. Crews are continuing to construct containment line and mitigating hot spots. #txfire
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) August 11, 2026
Local departments including those from Breckenridge, Hubbard Creek, Wayland, Caddo, Eliasville, and Young County assisted, along with Texas A&M Forest Service aircraft and ground resources. Crews focused on constructing containment lines and securing hotspots around the perimeter. One early report from Palo Pinto County ESD1 noted the fire may have been started by chains dragging from a trailer, though the cause has not been officially confirmed.
Stephens County Judge Will Thompson stated that “Residents in the area north and west of the Highway 67 corridor should remain alert, monitor your phone, HyperReach, and local media outlets. Be prepared to evacuate if directed by emergency personnel. Please avoid the area to keep roadways clear for responding units.”
No widespread evacuations or structure losses were immediately reported.
Heat Advisory and Rising Fire Weather Threat Across North Texas
The National Weather Service Fort Worth issued a Heat Advisory remaining in effect from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for most of North Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Heat index values up to 106 degrees were expected, with air temperatures near 100 degrees.
National Weather Service Fort Worth stated in its Area Forecast Discussion that “Increasing southerly winds, seasonably hot temperatures, and low humidity will support an increasing threat for wildfires across North and Central TX through the week.” The agency noted the threat will be highest on Thursday when southerly winds increase to 15 to 25 mph and become gusty, with relative humidity values generally ranging between 20-30% during the afternoon and temperatures at or slightly above 100 degrees. No significant rainfall is forecast into next week.
In a Tuesday morning update, the National Weather Service Fort Worth account posted that “Another hot/dry day ahead with heat index values up to 106 deg over portions of North & Central TX. A Heat Advisory remains in effect today from 1-8pm this evening. Increasing winds & low humidity will result in elevated fire weather threat the rest of the week.”
🥵Another hot/dry day ahead with heat index values up to 106 deg over portions of North & Central TX. A Heat Advisory remains in effect today from 1-8pm this evening.
🔥Increasing winds & low humidity will result in elevated fire weather threat the rest of the week. #dfwwx #ctxwx pic.twitter.com/p40H0mhgge— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) August 11, 2026
Ongoing Response and Public Safety Measures
Firefighters remained on scene Tuesday constructing additional containment lines and mitigating remaining hotspots.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, there were 26 contained wildfires in Texas, three controlled, and one active as of the latest available figures. Officials emphasized that hot temperatures, low humidity, and rainfall deficits continue to create dangerous burning conditions across the state.
Residents in affected areas of Stephens County were advised to stay informed through official channels. Broader North Texas communities under the Heat Advisory were reminded of basic precautions against heat-related illness, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak hours, and never leaving children or pets in vehicles.
The combination of ongoing dry conditions and forecast breezy weather keeps the regional fire threat elevated through the remainder of the week, according to National Weather Service outlooks.
