WALKER COUNTY, Texas – All evacuation orders and road closures that were caused by the Game Preserve Fire in Walker County have been lifted on Sunday, but firefighters continue to battle the 4,428-acre blaze, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
As of Monday, the fire is currently 70 percent contained according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The fire is located on Lost Indian Camp Road off FM 247 and has been burning for three days straight. No homes have been lost and no injuries have been reported.
Multiple aircrafts helped fight the fire over the past few days and dozers built containment lines. The Florida Forest Service will take over operations on Sunday to allow the Texas A&M Forest Service to resume normal operations and take a break from their efforts.
Signs were also posted along IH-45 warning people of smoke and the fire danger. The Texas A&M Forest Service said there was the possibility the highway could be closed if it was a safety issue, but for now it remains open.
Officials said it could take days to put this fire out, and the cause is still under investigation.
Residents react to evacuations
Several people were previously told to evacuate from their homes. Janice Letbetter evacuated from Pinedale Road and returned to her residence on Saturday.
“We moved our horses over to some friends over in Madisonville and then we stayed in a hotel last night,” Letbetter said.
Mike Hudson chose to stay.
“I could see the smoke coming this way. The women and children left, and I thought I’d hang around,” said Hudson.
Daniel Patterson with The Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire started at 1,000 acres and has grown rapidly.
“This fire has grown quickly and its continued to grow, the wind has a big effect, the relative humidity has a big effect.” said Patterson.
Crews from across the country joined in to help battle the fire. Planes dropped water from the sky and bulldozers were used to stop the fire.
“We just have to thank our firefighters out there,” said Letbetter.
Livestock, homes and people are left untouched, but the fire is far from out.