MASON COUNTY, Texas — What started as several fires in Mason County, then merged into one large fire, is now fully contained.
Authorities battled the North Art Complex fire since Thursday night following lightning strikes in the area. The fire, which initially covered about 3,000 acres, grew to 4,313 acres before being fully contained.
The Texas A&M Forest Service says no structures have been reported lost and that all state resources have been released. Local units will continue to monitor the fire until it is out.
Why is it named the North Art Complex fire?
According to the New York Times, wildfires are usually named by the first fire official on the scene and whatever is nearby.
The fire started north of East State Highway 29 in Art, Texas, leading to the name North Art.
The "complex" portion comes from the three individual fires before they merged into one. They were grouped into a complex due to their proximity to each other for ease of management.
The Texas Almanac reported in 2009 that Art had a population of 14, with reports that the population now is closer to 18.
Last week, a Mason County judge issued an executive order declaring a state of disaster ahead of the threat of wildfire due to the mix of severe weather, drought conditions and high temperatures.
How to help
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Mason County Emergency Management are coordinating donations to help those in need.
You can donate hay, livestock feed, horse feed, feed troughs, water troughs, buckets and fencing supplies to the Mason Feed Store on Austin Street. Those donating are asked to call ahead of time before dropping items off.
If you need to evacuate large animals, the Jordan Cattle Auction on Gooch Avenue is also available.
Other active wildfires in Central Texas
A small wildfire in Bastrop County also burned this weekend. The Pine Dump fire near Smithville was just 11 acres before being fully contained Sunday.
Near the North Art Complex Fire, there was also the Lower Willow fire in Mason County. It was 121 acres before being fully contained Sunday afternoon.
