ARANSAS PASS, Texas — Aransas Pass Police Department officials tell 3NEWS the Myrtle Fire is 100 percent contained, and that residents are being allowed to return home.
Aransas Pass PD public information officer and executive assistant Stephanie Diaz said late Wednesday evening that evacuation orders were rescinded at around 7 p.m. and that, though most resources had been sent home, a few would remain in to monitor hot spots.
Near West Maddox Avenue, one of the streets blocked to keep people safe, officials set up a command center, where they could watch live feeds from a drone flying above in order to see in which direction the fire was moving.
They would then help guide planes dropping fire retardant on the flames while firefighters battled from the ground.
"The fire quickly blossomed, given our heat and dry temps," said Aransas Pass Police Chief Eric Blanchard. "Several crews were called in from around the area -- Kingsville, Refugio, the State, Beeville."
The fire burned mostly brush and began around the Lamont Street and Maddox Avenue area on Wednesday afternoon, Blanchard said in a Facebook live video.
Around 2 p.m., he said, the fire was about 20 acres and was moving west toward Bypass 35.
Evacuations ordered
The fire burned through brush and came too close for comfort for those who live nearby.
Authorities in Aransas Pass began asking for residents in the following areas to evacuate due to the fire early in the afternoon:
- Ireland on both sides between 8th and 13th
- The Getaway RV Park
- Gaslight village
- Aransas Bay RV Park
A handful of RV parks were evacuated, with residents sent to the Aransas Pass Civic Center where they were cared for, but could only wait.
"I have four cats I'm worried about," said Getaway RV Park resident Renee Minicozzi.
The civic center at 700 W. Wheeler Avenue was opened for those needing shelter.
The city's animal shelter also was evacuated, the Aransas Pass Police Department said on social media.
Residents take shelter at Aransas Pass Civic Center
The civic center hosted several families that had evacuated due to the fire.
One Gaslight Village resident said that while she is worried about her home, this isn't the first time a fire has threatened it.
"I've been through this three times now, so I am kind of anxious but calmer," Chris Clausen said.
Minicozzi said she is thankful the center opened for evacuees.
"We have air conditioning and food and nice people to talk to," she said.
Multiskilled journalist Bill Churchwell and digital director Ana Tamez contributed to this story.
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