Single Publication

Game Preserve Fire Daily Update

September 2, 2023

10:00 am

Size: 3,000 acres

Containment: 10%

Start Date: September 1, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

On September 1, 2023, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for a fire on Lost Indian Camp Road off State Highway 247, 9 miles northwest of Huntsville, Texas. The fire continues to actively burn in pine timber with grass and yaupon understory.

Overnight, crews from Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments engaged in suppression efforts with constructing dozer lines. Fire activity continued through the night causing further evacuations and a temporary road closure on Interstate 45.

Local and state crews are back on scene today with fresh resources. Multiple pieces of heavy equipment and engines continue to build containment lines along the fire perimeter and improve existing containment lines. Two Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) engine strike teams are providing structure protection for those near the fire perimeter including Cedar Ridge subdivision. Aviation resources have been requested and are on scene to slow forward progression towards Interstate 45 (I-45). Additional resources continue to enter the area to preposition and assist for this afternoon.

Weather:

Upper trough continues to dig into the northern Gulf of Mexico and will therefore introduce more dry air into the region. The current weather pattern of below 30 percent relative humidity levels and northwesterly winds ranging between 5-10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 15 mph will remain in place.

Evacuations:

Evacuations were ordered for all residents within 3 miles of Lost Indian Camp Road. As the evening progressed, growth from the fire prompted additional evacuations from Cedar Ridge subdivision. All evacuation orders remain in place. Residents being evacuated should take all people and pets, personal items, prescriptions, important papers, and priceless items with them. Have enough of these necessary items to be out of the area for 24-48 hours.

Closures:

Portions of State Highway 247 are currently closured from farm to market road (FM) 2628 to FM 2989. Last night, the growth of the fire caused Interstate 45 (I-45) to temporarily close. I-45 is currently open. Additional information on road closures in the area can be found on www.drivetexas.org.

Damages and Injuries:

Currently, there have been no reports of injuries from the public or first responders. No structure or critical infrastructure have been lost.