by GREGORY, TEXAS — Thick gray smoke rolled through the small town of Gregory, Texas, on Wednesday evening as firefighters battled a fast-moving wildfire that forced residents to flee their homes. The Mill Fire, burning roughly 150 miles southeast of San Antonio, has scorched about 15 acres and was 50% contained as of late Wednesday, according to officials with the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Evacuations Ordered Amid Heavy Smoke
Local authorities issued evacuation orders for residents across the north end of Gregory, urging them to move to safety as flames advanced through dry brush and open fields. A temporary shelter was opened at a nearby community center for displaced residents.
“There is heavy smoke in the area that could pose a health risk,” said Heather Gonzales, spokesperson for the Texas A&M Forest Service. “We want to advise people to leave and avoid the area until conditions improve.”
While officials said no injuries have been reported, visibility across several neighborhoods was severely reduced. Emergency crews were still assessing the full extent of structural damage, which remained unclear due to dense smoke blanketing the region.
Dangerous Fire Conditions Across South Texas
The fire ignited Wednesday afternoon under what officials described as “perfect conditions for rapid fire growth.” Strong winds between 15 to 30 mph combined with very low humidity created an environment where even a small spark could spread rapidly.
By nightfall, fire officials reported that the blaze had stopped spreading, thanks to aggressive containment work by ground crews. Firefighters continued to patrol the perimeter late into the night, targeting hot spots and reinforcing fire lines to prevent flare-ups.
“Ground crews are working on patrolling the area and taking care of any hot spots that they’re finding,” Gonzales said. “The weather should begin to improve over the next few days, which will help firefighting efforts.”
Power and Gas Shutoffs as a Safety Measure
As flames moved closer to residential zones, CenterPoint Energy — the region’s primary utility provider — temporarily shut off natural gas service to parts of the city as a precaution. Officials said the measure was intended to minimize explosion risks or gas leaks while emergency operations continued.
Local power lines were also de-energized in affected areas to ensure firefighter safety, according to a post from the City of Gregory’s official Facebook page.
Cause of the Fire Under Investigation
The exact cause of the Mill Fire remains under investigation. Officials said it was not immediately clear how the blaze started, but multiple agencies — including local fire departments, the San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas A&M Forest Service — are collaborating to determine the source.
Investigators are expected to revisit the site once smoke conditions subside and the area becomes safe for inspection.
Community Response and Next Steps
Residents have praised first responders for their swift action in establishing fire lines and coordinating evacuations. Volunteers have also stepped up to provide bottled water, blankets, and food at the community shelter for evacuees.
Officials encouraged those returning home once the evacuation is lifted to remain cautious and report any smoldering debris or rekindled fires immediately. Air quality monitors will continue to assess smoke impacts in surrounding areas, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors and children.
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What’s Next for Gregory
With containment improving and weather conditions expected to calm, Gregory residents are cautiously optimistic. However, officials have warned that drought conditions across South Texas mean the region remains vulnerable to future wildfires.
“Even when this fire is fully contained, the risk isn’t over,” Gonzales emphasized. “We need residents to stay vigilant, follow burn bans, and report any signs of smoke right away.”
Are you in or near the Gregory area and affected by the Mill Fire? Have local agencies communicated evacuation updates effectively in your view?
Share your experience or thoughts in the comments at race-day-live.com — your firsthand insights help keep the community informed and prepared.
