(Wichita Falls, Tx) – Firefighters in western Wichita County are battling a large grass fire that threatens to grow larger as high fire danger conditions continue in North Texas.

Multiple agencies, including the Wichita Falls Fire Department, the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Services Strike Team are assisting with the fire that’s been dubbed the Koonce Fire.  According to the Wichita West Vol. Fire Department, the fire started Wednesday afternoon on F.M. 367 near Electra and is traveling North towards Hwy 287.  As of 10pm Wednesday, the fire had burned 3,500 acres and is now 45% contained.

Officials say it’s part of an outbreak of weather-related fires across western Wichita County and eastern Wilbarger County.