Hill County Emergency Management

08/27/2026

8/27 - Public input requested regarding broadband access:

The Heart of Texas Council of Governments is requesting public input to improve broadband access throughout the Heart of Texas region.

Please take a few minutes to complete our Broadband Survey by using the link below:

Survey Link: https://publicinput.com/c82258

The information collected will help HOTCOG:

Identify areas with limited or no broadband service. Better understand the types and quality of internet service currently available.

- Determine where additional digital literacy and technology education may be needed.
- Identify barriers to internet affordability and opportunities to assist households that struggle to pay for service.
- Demonstrate to the State of Texas where additional broadband infrastructure investment is needed to reach the remaining underserved and unserved communities—the "last mile."

The Heart of Texas Council of Governments is developing a Regional Digital Opportunity Plan to better understand internet access and digital needs across Bosque Falls Freestone Hill Limestone and McLennan counties. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Participation is volun...

08/26/2026

8/26/26 5:00 PM: Large grass Fire, 600BLK FM 2488, Blum:

Multiple agencies are currently onscene of a large grass fire, contained to 23 acres in the area of 600BLK of FM 2488 in Blum. Currently, the fire is completely contained, and they're in overhaul. This is not the cause of the smoke across Hill County (Please see our previous post).

Responding agencies include: Blum Fire, Covington Fire, Itasca Fire, Cedar Creek Fire, Woodbury Fire, Whitebluff REHAB, Rio Vista Fire, Grandview Fire, Hill County SO, Hill County Constable Pct 2, Commissioner Pct 1, Pct 1 Roadcrew, and Hill County OEM.

08/26/2026

8/26 Ross Fire smoke blowing into Central Texas:

We’ve received numerous calls of the haze or smoke visible across the northern part of Hill County. This will continue through the day and evening and be more widely visible as the day goes on. Please continue to be vigilant and when in doubt if your uncertain of the origin please call 911 so we can verify and prevent wildfires.

08/25/2026

Update 6:23: Roadway open

8/25 - Large Grass Fire, FM 934 near SH 77:

Multiple agencies are working a 15 acre grass fire on FM 934, between IH 35 E and SH 77. Currently the fire is contained and crews are in overhaul.

Responding agencies include: Hillsboro Fire, Bynum Fire, Itasca Fire, Mertens Fire, Peoria Fire, Abbott Fire, Milford Fire, TX DPS, Hill County SO and Hill County OEM.

FM 934 between SH 77 and IH 35 E is shutdown currently to all traffic.

08/24/2026

8/24 - Extreme Fire danger today:

Hill County is experiencing extreme fire danger today and remains under a Burn Ban. Please avoid any activity that could create a spark or start a fire, and immediately report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 911.

- Stay hydrated and limit strenuous outdoor activity.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
- Keep vehicles off dry grass and properly dispose of smoking materials.
- Avoid welding, grinding, or other spark-producing activities unless proper fire protection is in place.

Please use extra caution today - one small spark can quickly become a major wildfire.

08/23/2026

8/23 - City of Carl’s Corner declared local disaster due to water outage effecting portions of the City:

Today, Hill County OEM was notified of a water outage effecting some residents of Carl’s Corner. The City of Carl’s Corner declared a local disaster and requested the assistance from Hill County and the State of Texas.

After coordinating with the Mayor and County Judge, we were able to provided bottled drinking water for those residents affected.

Also, thanks to Bynum Fire Department, numerous residents also needed water for their livestock due to empty troughs. Bynum Fire was able to transport non-potable water for those residents in need for livestock.

A non-profit organization will be out in the morning to assist Carl’s Corner, organized through the State of Texas to help expedite surveying damaged lines and make repairs. 

08/23/2026

8/22 9:30 PM - Extreme Heat Warning issued for Hill County and North Central Texas:

The US National Weather Service Fort Worth Texas has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for North Central Texas, including Hill County. Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures up to 108 expected on Sunday from Noon to 9 PM.

Take extra precautions when outside by staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing, and limiting strenuous activities to the early morning. Never leave young children or pets in an enclosed vehicle, even for a short time, as temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To reduce risk when outdoors, the Occupational Safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911 ASAP if you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of heat stroke.

Extreme heat is dangerous, especially for those without reliable shelter. Limit time outdoors during the hottest time of the day, typically from 2 to 7 PM, rest in the shade when possible, and drink
plenty of water.

08/22/2026

8/22 1:00 PM (Delayed) - Grass fire rekindle, HCR 3406:

Multiple agencies responded to a grass fire rekindle on HCR 3406 this afternoon. All units have since cleared but were out there for hours.

Responding agencies were: Mertens Fire, Bynum Fire, Hillsboro Fire, Penelope Fire, Milford Fire and Hill County OEM.

This rekindle burned an additional 20 acres. If you see smoke anywhere in the county please immediately call 911. It’s extremely dry and with the low humidity and winds, these grass fires spread quickly.

Also, our Volunteers need supplies! Gatorade, Liquid IV etc.

08/22/2026

8/22/26 - Law Enforcement Training in the City of Abbott:

The Hill County Sheriff's Office and numerous other First Responders will be participating in a full-scale exercise at the Abbott Independent School District this morning. For the safety of everyone involved and the public, the streets around the School will be closed to all traffic from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM. This is only a DRILL/EXERCISE - there is no actual emergency taking place at Abbott ISD. Residents in the area may hear alarms, yelling, simunition rounds, and see people running; this is only a Drill/Exercise.

08/21/2026

Update 11:30 AM: Fire is 100% contained

8/21 Large Grass Fire, 100BLK of HCR 3406, Malone:

Multiple Fire Departments are onscene of a large, approximately 40 acre grass fire. Please avoid the area.

Responding agencies are: Bynum Fire, Hillsboro Fire, Penelope Fire, Milford Fire, Blooming Grove Fire, Navarro Mills Fire, Frost Fire, Itasca Fire, Hubbard Fire, Abbott Fire and Hill County OEM.