What is the North Art Complex fire? What you need to know

MASON COUNTY, Texas — What started as several fires in Mason County have now merged into one large fire.

Authorities have been battling the North Art Complex fire since Thursday night following lightning strikes in the area.

The fire, which initially covered about 3,000 acres and was 25% contained, has grown to 4,000 acres and is now 90% contained. However, the Texas A&M Forest Service says no structures have been reported lost as air and ground crews suppress the fire.

According to the New York Times, wildfires are usually named by the first fire official on the scene and whatever is nearby.

The fire started north of East State Highway 29 in Art, Texas, leading to the name North Art.

The “complex” portion comes from the three individual fires before they merged into one. They were grouped into a complex due to their proximity to each other for ease of management.

The Texas Almanac reported in 2009 that Art had a population of 14, with reports that the population now is closer to 18.

On Wednesday, a Mason County judge issued an executive order declaring a state of disaster ahead of the threat of wildfire due to the mix of severe weather, drought conditions and high temperatures.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Mason County Emergency Management are coordinating donations to help those in need.

You can donate hay, livestock feed, horse feed, feed troughs, water troughs, buckets and fencing supplies to the Mason Feed Store on Austin Street. Those donating are asked to call ahead of time before dropping items off.

If you need to evacuate large animals, the Jordan Cattle Auction on Gooch Avenue is also available.

A small wildfire in Bastrop County continues to burn as efforts to contain it improve.

The Pine Dump near Smithville is just 10 acres and about 65% contained as of Friday afternoon.