As of noon on Sunday (March 18), a fire burning five miles north of 166 is now 70% contained, according to Jim Fowler, spokesperson for the Jeff Davis County Volunteer Fire Department. Sparked late last evening by a lightning strike, the fire is located in rugged terrain on the McCoy Ranch, "well off the road", posing no danger to residents.
The fire has burned 600 to 1000 acres, according to Fowler. Firefighters from Fort Davis, the Davis Mountain Resort, Valentine, Cherry Creek, Van Horn and the Texas Forest Service are currently fighting the blaze.
The fire is now 70% contained, but Fowler cautioned that this number could go up or down depending on today's weather. There are red flag warnings in the area and high winds.
Updates to this page as more information becomes available.
Update 3/19/12 - The McCoy Ranch Fire is 100 percent controlled and contained as of late last evening, according to Vicki Fowler at the Jeff Davis County Volunteer Fire Department. Total acreage consumed is not yet known at this time.