KRTS has confirmed reports of a large fire on the Shurley Ranch, about 26 miles south of Marfa. We spoke to Marfa Volunteer Fire Department Chief Gary Mitschke, who only had a moment to confirm the report before heading back to battle the blaze.
7:15 PM: Highway 17 north of Fort Davis toward Balmorhea closed as VFD from Alpine and Fort Davis fight the blaze that began near the Y intersection north of Fort Davis at the split between Highways 118 and 17. The fire then moved north toward Scobee Mountain.
8 PM: Highway 118 closed north of Limpia Crossing (north of Fort Davis) on road to the McDonald Observatory.
8:45 PM: Highway 17 once again open. Hazy, smoky conditions persist on area roadways.