Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on May 19 announced an ongoing coordinated response to help slow the spread of the multiple wildfires burning across the state.
A total of nine wildfires continued to burn in central and West Texas as of May 19, including the Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County, about 170 miles west of Fort Worth, which prompted an evacuation of residents after burning through 50 or 60 homes, according to local reports.
That fire is estimated to cover about 9,600 acres with only 5 percent containment.
The governor’s office noted that another fire burning on May 19, the Coconut Fire in Wilbarger County, is estimated at 25,000 acres and is 20 percent contained. That fire left one firefighter with multiple burn wounds, according to local reports. The firefighter was later released from the hospital after receiving treatment….