Fire, smoke and water damage help in Big Spring

Big Spring, the Howard County seat, sits at about 2,440 feet in the valley of Beals Creek, an eastward-flowing tributary of the Colorado River, with Scenic Mountain rising at the southwest edge of town. The spring that gave the city its name was pumped dry by the mid-1920s, a fitting reminder of how precious water is out here and how damaging it can be in the wrong place.

Fire & Water Energy is a referral service that sends no crews of its own. Call (866) 937-3230 and we'll try to connect you with an independent restoration contractor willing to work in Big Spring, which is about 40 miles from Midland along I-20. Because the area is spread out, availability depends heavily on which regional providers can travel. The fine print lives on how it works and in the referral disclosure, both worth a quick read.

Drought, wildfire and temperature extremes on the southern plains

Big Spring averages under 20 inches of precipitation a year, spread over roughly 45 days with measurable rain, and around 2 inches of snow. The record high is 114 degrees and the record low is 5 below zero, so both heat and deep cold are part of local life.

Dry years bring fire danger. Howard County was included in two separate FEMA wildfire declarations in 2011, the year a La Niña drought gripped Texas; that April the Hickman fire in neighboring Midland County destroyed 34 homes. The county was also part of the 2006 Extreme Wildfire Threat declaration and the 2021 Severe Winter Storms declaration.

Frozen lines, cooler leaks and other water damage in Big Spring

With so little rain, most water damage here starts with plumbing. Hard freezes split pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls and attics; water heaters and washing machine hoses fail; and evaporative coolers or AC units can leak through ceilings. When storms do arrive, wind-driven rain and hail can open roofs that have baked for years in the sun.

Water damage restoration in Big Spring usually means removing the water, finding hidden moisture with meters, and drying materials thoroughly. The dry climate helps, but water under flooring or inside insulated walls still needs mechanical drying. Rebuilding afterward is the water damage repair stage. Freeze-related leaks are covered on burst pipe water damage, and the drying stage on structural drying.

Federal disaster declarations that included Howard County

FEMA records show Howard County was included in 5 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (3 fire, 1 severe ice storm, 1 hurricane, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Big Spring was affected. The most recent:

• 2021 – Severe Winter Storms (DR-4586)
• 2011 – Wildfires (DR-4029)
• 2011 – Wildfires (DR-1999)
• 2006 – Extreme Wildfire Threat (DR-1624)
• 2005 – Hurricane Rita (DR-1606)

Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.

Grass fire smoke and house fire restoration

When wildfires burn on the surrounding rangeland, smoke and ash can drift into town and settle in attics, HVAC filters and soft furnishings. Homes on the edge of town also face direct ember exposure. Inside, heaters used during cold snaps, cooking and wiring problems are common causes of house fires.

A typical restoration contractor will secure the property, clear debris, test the residue, clean surfaces methodically and treat odors in fabrics and ductwork. Read more on fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal.

Storm runoff and wind damage cleanup

Though rain is scarce, a heavy thunderstorm on hard, dry ground can send runoff toward Beals Creek and low streets in a hurry. If outside water enters a home, it is treated as contaminated, so wet carpet, padding and lower drywall are normally removed and the area sanitized before drying.

High winds and hail can strip shingles and break windows, so board-up and roof tarping are often the first steps. West Texas storm jobs like these are outlined on our storm damage cleanup and flood cleanup pages.

Mold in a semi-arid climate

Dry outdoor air doesn't stop mold from growing where a hidden leak keeps drywall or wood damp. A slow drip under a sink or a frozen pipe that leaked inside a wall can support growth for months without anyone seeing it.

EPA guidance indicates that homeowners can usually clean up mold patches under about 10 square feet once the moisture is fixed. For larger areas or anything involving sewage, professional mold remediation is recommended.

Safety first for Big Spring residents

• Call 911 for fire, injuries, a gas smell or downed lines.
• During wildfire threats, follow evacuation orders from local officials and keep vents closed while smoke is heavy.
• Before a deep freeze, insulate exposed pipes and know where your main shutoff is.
• Shut off power to wet rooms only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
• Photograph all damage before cleanup and save receipts.
• Ask your insurer or agent how your policy treats fire, freeze and flood damage; terms vary.

Neighborhoods and nearby communities

Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Big Spring):

• Midland · 39 mi
• Odessa · 59 mi
• San Angelo · 82 mi
• Lubbock · 94 mi
• Eunice, NM · 99 mi
• Jal, NM · 101 mi

Restoration guides

• Fire Damage Restoration
• Smoke Odor Removal
• Burst Pipe Water Damage
• Structural Drying
• Storm Damage Cleanup
• Mold Remediation

Local resources for Big Spring residents

• Wikipedia: 2011 Texas wildfires

Sources

• Wikipedia: Big Spring, Texas
• Wikipedia: 2011 Texas wildfires

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