Update: Fort Davis Sees Smoke; Fire Officials Say Don’t Worry

The fires that burned more than 166,000 acres of land in the Marfa and Fort Davis area last weekend are still sweeping through parts of west Texas.

Residents of Fort Davis had another scare Friday as smoke once again drifted through town, but officials said not to worry.

“There is some concern among the townsfolk, but there is no threat to any of the facilities, either in Fort Davis mountain resort or the Olympia Crossing area. The fire is burning well to the north of them. They are just downwind from the smoke,” said Jim Fowler, spokesperson for the Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department.

The flames that destroyed more than two dozen homes also killed more than 150 cattle and nine horses.

As for the animals that remain in the area, a representative from the Fort Davis Agricultural Society said there has been an overwhelming response from surrounding areas sending hay and feed. They have plenty of hay, but the society is still asking for both cow and horse feed.

Officials said they are grateful for all the help they have received, but that Mother Nature still could threaten the area.

“We are very grateful for all the firefighters,” said Fowler. “I think they are going to be here for another few days, but we’ll just have to see how the fire responds and what the weather does for us.”

Aerial crews will once again survey the burned area to reassess the acreage of land charred by the fire.

They expect to release those updated numbers in the next 24 hours.

There are six families who lost everything in the fires. Officials are asking for monetary donations to help get the families back on their feet.

Donations can be mailed to the Fort Davis State Bank, PO Box 1809, Fort Davis, TX 79734. Checks can be made payable to the Jeff Davis County Relief Fund.