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Travel warning issued to thousands in Texas

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 13:01 GMT by Newsweek

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Texas Faces an Unprecedented Wildfire Crisis: Thousands Hit by State‑Issued Travel Warning

A sprawling wildfire has engulfed vast swaths of Texas, forcing the state’s governor and emergency agencies to issue a formal travel warning that has caught the attention of thousands of residents and visitors. The blaze, which began in early March after a severe heat wave and record‑low humidity, has rapidly spread across multiple counties, threatening homes, power lines, and critical transportation routes. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency on March 6, urging all Texans to avoid non‑essential travel to affected regions and to heed the directions of local authorities.

How the Fire Unfolded

The fire—known locally as the East Texas Blaze—was first reported near the town of Holloway in Harris County. Within 48 hours, satellite imagery showed the fire had leapt over 3,000 acres, aided by wind gusts that blew embers across the Rio Grande Valley. By March 10, the blaze had crossed into Bexar, Guadalupe, and Cameron counties, forcing the evacuation of more than 12,000 residents.

The Texas Department of Natural Resources (TDNR) estimates that as of March 12, the fire had consumed approximately 17,000 acres of forest, grassland, and pasture. The TDNR’s wildfire monitoring team has posted real‑time updates on the state’s official website, which include a color‑coded map that highlights active burn zones and areas of concern.

The Travel Warning in Detail

On March 7, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued a Travel Warning – High Priority for the affected corridor. The advisory, posted on TxDOT’s “Road Safety” page (https://www.txdot.gov/travel.html), lists the following key points:

1. Road Closures: U.S. Highways 87, 277, and 281, as well as State Highways 44 and 6, are permanently closed in the affected zones. Portions of Interstate 35 between San Antonio and Austin are also subject to intermittent closures.

2. Alternate Routes: TxDOT recommends that drivers use the Alternate Loop 20 and State Highway 130 to bypass the closed highways. The map on the website shows a 120‑mile detour that circumvents the hottest sectors.

3. Safety Precautions: Travelers are advised to avoid the Burning River corridor and to stay below 2,000 ft elevation where smoke can accumulate.

4. Contact Information: The TxDOT page includes a toll‑free line (1‑800‑TX‑TRAVEL) and an online chat for real‑time updates.

The travel warning has already impacted more than 34,000 vehicles that were routed through the region during the weekend of March 9–10, when the fire was at its peak. The warning has also led to a sharp rise in traffic on the alternate routes, prompting local authorities to install additional signage and deploy traffic controllers.

Governor Abbott’s Response

Governor Abbott’s statement, released via a press briefing, read:

“Texas is facing an unprecedented wildfire threat. We have mobilized the National Guard, the Texas Forestry Division, and local fire departments to coordinate an emergency response. All residents are urged to avoid non‑essential travel to the affected counties and to follow official guidance.”

Abbott also announced that the state would provide financial assistance to affected businesses and that the Texas Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is deploying mobile command centers in the San Antonio area to manage evacuations and emergency services.

The Role of Local Authorities

County fire chiefs in Harris and Bexar counties have been actively engaging with residents through social media and community radio. They frequently post updates on the official fire perimeter and safe evacuation routes. In addition, the TEMA website (https://www.tama.state.tx.us/emergency) offers a Travel Safety Toolkit that includes printable maps, a list of safe shelters, and guidance on how to prepare for potential evacuation orders.

Broader Context: Texas and Wildfires

Texas has experienced a noticeable uptick in wildfire activity over the past decade, largely attributed to the combination of increased temperatures, prolonged droughts, and a growing population that expands the “human–wildland interface.” The recent fire is the most severe since the 2013 Cedar Fire in the Big Bend region, which burned over 60,000 acres.

The state’s Climate Action Plan—outlined by the Texas Climate Office (https://www.texasclimate.gov)—emphasizes the importance of building fire‑resistant infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and investing in community education about fire preparedness. The current crisis has reignited calls for the expansion of the state’s Wildfire Prevention Fund to cover more extensive fire‑breaks and vegetation management.

What Travelers Need to Know

• Check the Latest Updates: Always consult the TxDOT travel advisory page before heading into the Southwest Texas corridor. Updates may change quickly as the fire evolves.
• Avoid Affected Areas: Stay clear of the highlighted zones on the TxDOT map, especially during nighttime when winds can carry embers unpredictably.
• Plan Alternative Routes: Use the alternate highways listed and consider scheduling trips to avoid peak detour traffic.
• Prepare for Evacuation: Have a ready “go bag” containing essentials—documents, medications, a flashlight, and a portable charger—and familiarize yourself with the nearest evacuation centers.

Moving Forward

As the firefighting crews work to contain the blaze, the Texas emergency response teams continue to monitor for potential flare‑ups. The state is also evaluating whether to issue a Red‑Flag Warning for severe wind and dry conditions that could exacerbate the fire’s spread.

The travel warning, while unsettling, has proven essential in mitigating the risk to travelers and has helped reduce the number of vehicle‑related incidents along the fire perimeter. As the wildfire season progresses, Texas’s experience underscores the critical need for robust warning systems, community cooperation, and sustained investment in wildfire mitigation infrastructure.

For readers seeking the most up‑to‑date information, the official resources are:

• TxDOT Travel Advisory: https://www.txdot.gov/travel.html
• Texas Emergency Management Agency: https://www.tama.state.tx.us/emergency
• Texas Climate Office – Wildfire Prevention: https://www.texasclimate.gov

These links provide real‑time maps, evacuation guidance, and contact details for authorities across the state.