7:00 AM UPDATE (APRIL 11):
All lanes of traffic are now open on SH 35.
8:22 AM UPDATE (APRIL 10):
The Salt Flats fire in Rockport has burned roughly 157 acres and is 50% contained as of Thursday morning.
The second fire crews are working is the Aransas Woods fire, which burned roughly 38 acres and is 97% contained as of Thursday morning.
Both fires broke out Wednesday afternoon along State Hwy 35, which remains closed Thursday morning between 16th Street and US 188. Traffic is being redirected in the area, so drive carefully.
7PM UPDATE: As crews continue to battle the blaze that sprang up on both sides of Rockport's Highway 35, help is being called in on all fronts.
According to Texas A&M Forest Service Wildland Interface Coordinator Abbie Tijerina, 50% of the fire has been contained, with about 149 acres burned thus far.
Rockport Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Greer told KRIS 6 News that firefighters are prepared to battle this blaze through the night.
The Rockport Volunteer Fire Department is asking neighbors to donate water, Gatorade, and snacks, which would be greatly appreciated.
Supplies can be dropped off at the Rockport Volunteer Fire Station at 212 Gagon St.
5PM UPDATE: In a recent press release from the city of Rockport, efforts are being made by the Aransas County Emergency Operations Center to provide support and resources.
Residents in the affected areas, such as the Enchanted Oaks RV Park and Kluge Trails, are advised to follow evacuation instructions immediately and stay clear of the fire. All evacuees can go to the Fulton Convention Center, at 402 N Fulton Beach Rd.
3PM UPDATE: Power has been shut off in nearby neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Aransas County has already issued a local disaster declaration.
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ORIGINAL: A large brush fire is leading to evacuations along State Highway 35 in Rockport.
According to Chief Nathan Anderson with the Rockport Police Department, the fire started on the east side of State Highway 35 and jumped across the highway. Now, fires are burning on both sides of the roadway.
State Highway 35 has been shut down and traffic is being redirected.
Crews from several nearby communities are at the scene battling the blaze.
Nearby residents are being evacuated from Enchanted Oaks RV Park and Klugey Trail RV Park.
There's no word on what started the fire.
However, Anderson says a fire broke out in the same area yesterday. He said it's possible that it rekindled, but they don't know for sure.
Everyone is being advised to stay away from the area and use alternate routes of travel.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as soon as more information becomes available.
