Single Publication

July 27, 2023

Size: 250 acres

Containment: 20%

Date Started: July 26, 2023

Cause: Unknown 

Structures: There have been 5 homes lost at this time with 25 more structures immediately threatened.

Evacuations: Last night the voluntary evacuation order was lifted at 10:00 p.m. Residents can return to the area but should use caution and remain aware of the fire to the south

The Blum Fire started on July 26, 2023, and was responded to by multiple fire departments initially. Texas A&M Forest Service was requested for assistance at 3:15 p.m. and responded with aviation resources, heavy equipment, and engines from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Multiple departments from Hill, Johnson, and Bosque counties are working in Unified command with Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Closures: FM Road 933 is now open. Please use caution when traveling along this roadway as fire crews are still working along this road to suppress the Blum Fire.

Yesterday: Aviation resources and heavy equipment were able to lower fire activity and stop forward progression shortly before sundown last night, allowing evacuation orders to be lifted. Equipment crews and engines spent the rest of the night working to construct containment lines around the perimeter of the fire and being the process of mopping-up, putting out any areas of heat within the first 100 feet of the containment lines. Additional engines spent there evening working around the threatened structures to improve their defensible space and continue to protect them from the threat of the Blum Fire.

Today: Engine crews will be patrolling around the perimeter of the fire and the interior roads, working to suppress any active flames and smoking areas. As the day warms and dries, engines will continue to be ready in the event that the fire does jump outside of its containment lines. Heavy equipment from Texas A&M Forest Service and Hill County are continuing to construct and improve the containment lines that were constructed last night. Additional resources will be coming back on scene later today in preparation for this afternoon. Aerial resources are standing by in case they are needed for suppression.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Moderate winds with higher gusts will continue today and through the weekend. High temperatures and low relative humidity, similar to yesterday’s conditions will continue for the next several days. There is moisture forecast for the next several days.

Fire Information

Adam Turner

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: adam.turner@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 940-328-9158

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-storage-fire

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