09/16/2026
Make sure to get your updates with Bosque County Sheriff’s Office and Bosque County Emergency Management .
Today’s status- Wednesday, September 16th, 2026
***Fire Updates, Wednesday, September 16th***
1713: We will be discontinuing this post unless something changes, in which case we will make a new post. Thank you to everyone for your support.
1708: Everything is currently staying within containment lines and holding where it was most of the day.
There are some flare ups but topography is causing problems with access. Relying on air support.
Estimated a Containment at 25%. Still at 1100 acres.
No growth on fire for most of day but still continuing to burn, in same footprint.
Weather
Good weather overnight. 80% humidity by morning will help with containment.
Around 11pm-1am some gusts may reach 25mph but believed to be isolated.
1550: There is a mandatory Evacuation map that was released that shows the City of Meridian broken down to sectors for IF a mandatory evacuation order is again needed. There is NO EVACUATION currently needed for Meridian. Should it be needed then we will IMMEDIATELY post it. NO EVACUATION NEEDED FOR MERIDIAN AT THIS TIME.
1506: TEXAS FOREST SERVICE UPDATE
Hydra Fire Update, Bosque County
Size: 1100ac
Containment: 25%
Structures lost: Unknown
Cause: Unknown/Under Investigation
Location: Approximately 2 miles south of Meridian, 1 mile west of HWY6.
Situational Update: The Hydra Fire in Bosque County started on the afternoon of September 14, 2026 under elevated fire conditions. Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to provide assistance in
the form of additional firefighters and heavy equipment at 1600 and responded quickly. Texas A&M Forest Service is currently in unified command with local departments. Throughout the afternoon fire activity remained elevated, causing several spot fires outside of containment lines. On Tuesday September 15th at approximately 1600 the fire crossed the retardant line constructed by aircraft and the first contingency dozer line. High winds
and heavy fuel loading facilitated rapid spread of the fire to the north. When the fire reached a predetermined trigger point, evacuations in and around Meridian began at the direction of Bosque County and City of Meridian. Crews have spent the day building containment line and contingency line with heavy equipment. Aircraft are dropping water and retardant to limit fire spread. Expect to see smoke throughout the afternoon as interior fuels continue to burn. Ground crews are
following behind equipment to reinforce containment lines.
Operational Goal:
Keep fire within current footprint. Prioritize structure protection and public safety. Reinforce retardant lines with heavy equipment.
Weather:
Hot and dry conditions are expected today with temperatures near 100 degrees and very low RH around 25%. South winds around 10 mph will be common, but intermittent gusts to 20 mph will be possible.
Aviation:
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area.
Federal Aviation Administration - Graphic TFRs Aviation has been instrumental in controlling the spread of this fire. Aviation will continue to be utilized throughout the day. Currently 4 large air tankers, 2 super scoopers, and multiple helicopters are working the fire. DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE FLOWN IN THE AREA.
Firefighting aircraft cannot fly if a drone is spotted in the area.
Road closures:
FM2136 is closed in both directions.
Please slow down for emergency vehicles while traveling in the Meridian/Clifton area.
Evacuations:
The evacuation order for the City of Meridian has been lifted. The nursing home in Meridian remains evacuated. Residents south of HWY22 and west of HWY6 are strongly encouraged
to remain evacuated at this time. A new trigger point for evacuations has been identified by officials. Bosque County will
direct evacuations if the fire reaches that point. The Clifton Civic Center is the intake center for evacuations if the need arises. They are prepared to offer support for individuals and small animals. Large animals can be taken to Clifton Fair Grounds, Clifton Auction Barn, or Clifton High School Ag Barn.
1442: Disposable serving trays, brown paper bags, and gallon size freezer bags are being reported as an immediate need to get food up to those on the front line.
1437: Donations are still being collected at the Bosque County Sheriff's to be sent to the first responders dealing with the firefighting efforts. At this time, Clifton Volunteer Fire Department and Meridian Volunteer Fire Department are reporting they are at capacity for food/drink donations. The outpouring of support has been amazing.
1417: There is no current evacuation order for the City of Meridian. There are rumors circulating that evacuations are being done. This IS NOT currently the case. We WILL post it IMMEDIATLY should that be needed.
1336: There are a total of 8 aircraft assisting with this fire. 4 are dropping retardant, 2 are dropping water, one is a guide aircraft, and an air boss. The number of resources being used at this fire is nothing short of amazing.
1248: Fire is continuing to be held. The weather conditions are subject to change and wind speeds are expected to increase which have potential to create issues. The air drops are continuing and ground crews continue the fight.
1135: Preparing to get an update on status and will provide more information as soon as it is complete.
1102: Most current map is being uploaded.
1051: Fire crews are continuing to make progress on the fire. Currently the fire lines between the actual fire and Meridian are holding but conditions can rapidly change.
1032: Donations of water and supplies are being collected at the Bosque County Sheriff's Office (266 FM 2840, Meridian) and the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department (203 N Ave E, Clifton). If you are wanting to make donations please drop at one of those locations. The biggest need is for water, bottled drinks, energy drinks, and non-perishable food items/snacks.
1016: Fire continues to be fought. Currently it is at 1100 acres and is 25% contained. Yesterday the fire was spawning approximately 100 yards ahead of the flames. That is one of the factors that prompted the evacuation.
0945: The sheriffs' office will be providing the updates for the City of Meridian, Texas and the Bosque County Bosque County Office Of Emergency Management.
0933: FM 2136 is closed in both directions.
0925: Command post is operational. Receiving updates and will pass along.
0907: All of todays updates will be on this post.
