You may have seen the sky filled with smoke Tuesday evening and that was because of a massive wildfire south of Abilene in the View and Caps area.

Click here to learn more about the current containment conditions of the Mesquite Heat Fire, from the Texas A&M Forest Service. 

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While firefighters continue to battle the blaze, there is a path of victims in its wake that need our help. Not only that, but the firefighters and volunteers, who have been assisting at ground control, need a little assistance as well.

While firefighters continue to battle the blaze, there is a path of victims in its wake that need our help

Think about the thousands of acres of land that have been destroyed along with the homes in this area. These people need our help.

Think about the firefighters putting their lives on the line to battle this bodacious blaze. These people need our help.

Check out the following photo, courtesy of Juan Carlos Cruz and his wife Sheridan, of an air tanker spraying the fire. This is so heartbreaking.

Juan Carlos Cruz
Juan Carlos Cruz
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How Can I Make a Donation to Fire Relief efforts?

The Community Foundation of Abilene has set up the Big Country Fire Relief Fund for just that.

The Big Country Fire Relief Fund will provide grants to volunteer fire departments and nonprofits serving those affected by the May 17th fire in the View, Texas area of Taylor County. This fund may also support VFDs and nonprofits serving people affected by other fires throughout the Big Country as needed. [Community Foundation of Abilene]

How Can I Help the Volunteers and Victims in Other Ways?

The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a group of nonprofits that help with local disasters, like the Mesquite Heat Fire.

VOAD, in partnership with volunteer fire departments, Taylor County, City of Abilene, Beltway Park, United Rescue Alliance, Texas Department of Emergency Management, American Red Cross and Texas Baptist Men are currently in View offering support to victims of the Mesquite Heat Fire.

This website will be updated regularly for those affected by the fire and for volunteers to view immediate and long-term needs.

Please contact your local 211 for updated information on the Mesquite Heat Fire. Information is available from 8-5, Monday through Friday at (325) 673-8211 or at 211, option 1 is available 24 hours. [United Way of Abilene/VOAD]

Just to give you an idea of what kind of impact this fire has had, here's a video shared by KTXS that shows the volunteers relocating livestock. How heartbreaking.

 

We'll continue to update this page as we receive information about how you can help those in need. Please keep these families and volunteers in your thoughts and prayers.

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