InciWeb
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other
At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 18, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance on a fire burning approximately 5 miles south of Abilene, in Taylor County, Texas. The Hill Top Fire is burning in juniper and mesquite shrub as well as grass vegetation. The fire exhibited extreme fire behavior during the initial response with crown fire and running through the juniper vegetation.
County and local firefighters have been joined by personnel, heavy equipment, fire engines and aviation resources from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. Aircraft, including large airtankers, single engine airtankers and fire bosses, made beneficial drops well into the evening hours that helped to slow forward progression of the fire. Crews focused on cooling the flanks of the fire and slowing progression at the head utilizing aircraft heavily to assist.
Voluntary evacuations are in place for residents between Old Coleman Highway and 83/84. A shelter has been set up at the Taylor County Expo Center for impacted residents. Taylor County Sheriff's Office will provide additional information for evacuations.
By the 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 18, fire managers reported that fire activity had moderated due to decreasing temperatures and increased relative humidity levels.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the area over the fire, [NOTAM: FDC 3/7711, https://bit.ly/3YGuZnE]. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 18, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance on a fire burning approximately 5 miles south of Abilene, in Taylor County, Texas. The Hill Top Fire is burning in juniper and mesquite shrub as well as grass vegetation. The fire exhibited extreme fire behavior during the initial response with crown fire and running through the juniper vegetation.
County and local firefighters have been joined by personnel, heavy equipment, fire engines and aviation resources from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. Aircraft, including large airtankers, single engine airtankers and fire bosses, made beneficial drops well into the evening hours that helped to slow forward progression of the fire. Crews focused on cooling the flanks of the fire and slowing progression at the head utilizing aircraft heavily to assist.
Voluntary evacuations are in place for residents between Old Coleman Highway and 83/84. A shelter has been set up at the Taylor County Expo Center for impacted residents. Taylor County Sheriff's Office will provide additional information for evacuations.
By the 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 18, fire managers reported that fire activity had moderated due to decreasing temperatures and increased relative humidity levels.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the area over the fire, [NOTAM: FDC 3/7711, https://bit.ly/3YGuZnE]. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.
| Current as of | Mon, 08/28/2023 - 16:05 |
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| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Under Investigation |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | Approximately 10 miles south of Abilene |
| Incident Commander | Keith Mousel, Florida Gold Team (under the authority of Texas A&M Forest Service) David Sprayberry, Potosi Volunteer Fire Department |
| Coordinates |
32° 17' 0'' Latitude
-99° 44' 40
'' Longitude
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| Total Personnel: | 171 |
|---|---|
| Size | 200 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 100% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 08/22/2023 |
| Fuels Involved | Tall Grass (2.5 feet)
Narrative: Thick Juniper |
| Significant Events | The fire remains active with crews engaged on both flanks. Significant damage to powerlines and a repeater building. Transfer of command occurred at 1200 from Texas A&M Forest Service to the Florida State Gold Team
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| Planned Actions |
Continue building fire lines on north part of fire. Continue to improve fire lines in all areas of the fire. |
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| Projected Incident Activity |
Minimum rate of spread expected, Left and right flank with moderate smoke production. |
| Weather Concerns | As of 6:00 PM 08/19 - Elevated fire weather conditions will continue through early this evening, and a Rangeland Fire Danger Statement (RFD) is in effect for all of West Central Texas. More of the same tomorrow, with elevated fire weather conditions as minimum RH values drop to 15 to 20 percent and 20 foot southeast winds increase to 10 to 15 mph. On Monday, elevated fire weather conditions are again forecast, with minimum RH values dropping to 15 to 20 percent and |
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