Mesquite Heat Fire Burns Structures, Chars Landscape in Taylor County, Texas

The Mesquite Heat Fire grew to 11,256 acres (approximately 17.5 square miles) in Taylor County, Texas, on Sunday, May 22, leaving over two dozen structures destroyed.

Taylor County officials lifted the area’s evacuation orders on Saturday, and said a heavy sheriff’s office’s presence would reman in the area to ensure public safety.

Fire officials said on Friday that the fire had destroyed 27 structures.

As of Sunday afternoon, the fire was at 25 percent containment, according to officials.

This video captured by Mark Shannon, who said he took it on Saturday, shows charred landscape. Credit: Mark Shannon via Storyful

Video Transcript

[NO SPEECH]