6,000 acres continue burning in Chalk Mountain wildfire in Somervell County

The Chalk Mountain Fire began Monday afternoon and has already burned about 6,000 acres near Glen Rose. It is only about 10% contained.

GLEN ROSE, Texas - A fire in Somervell County, southwest of Fort Worth, is growing and prompted some evacuations.

The Chalk Mountain Fire began Monday afternoon and has already burned about 6,000 acres near Glen Rose. It is only about 10% contained.

Wildfire forces evacuations near Glen Rose

Firefighters are battling a wildfire near Glen Rose. It has already charred 4,000 acres and is only 10% contained.

The fire is being fought from the ground and air. Bulldozers dug fire lines to try to protect structures in the area.

The aerial attack continues. Air tankers are dropping thousands of gallons of water just as dozens on the ground are digging fire lines trying to protect homes and property.

Some homes and structures have been lost, but officials are not speculating on the exact number.

The evacuation area in the Somervell County is growing. Although it’s still voluntary for many, it is strongly encouraged.

"Once the sheriff’s office goes out and tells you you need to evacuate, a 911 call may not – may not, I’m not saying will not but may not – be responded to because we’re working on the fires," said Cyndi Smith with Erath County Emergency Management.

Some folks have heeded the warnings. There is also a great concern for livestock stock and other animals.

"I talked to somebody who was just cutting fences at one point just to let stock out," said Somervell County Commissioner Jeff Harris. "People were picking them up if they could. And if not, just hoping they could roam free and be gathered up later."

Volunteers and donations are in abundance. People are extending support to help firefighters and the evacuees.

The Expo Center in Glen Rose is the nucleus of that help. It’s also a place for evacuees to sleep and get meals and other supplies. The Red Cross has opened an overnight shelter there.

Several other wildfires are burning in North Texas because of the hot and dry weather.

The fire near Possum Kingdom Lake in Palo Pinto County has charred about 500 acres and destroyed several waterfront homes and lake houses. It is only about 10% contained.

Two other fires in Bosque and Kaufman counties are still burning. The one in Bosque has burned about 200 acres and is 30% contained. The fire in Kaufman County has scorched about 450 acres and is 75% contained.

No injuries have been reported in any of the fires.

Wildfires Texas Severe Weather