Single Publication

Classic Canyon Fire Update

Thursday August 3, 2023

1:30 pm

Size: 235

Containment: 100%

Start Date: July 27, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

Texas A&M Forest Service in coordination with the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team, McGregor Task Force and the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department began work on July 27th to contain the Classic Canyon Fire. Texas A&M Forestry Service took over management of the fire on July 29th, providing engines and crews to patrol the containment area, extinguishing remaining hot areas along the line. On July 31st, there were no obvious flames within the fire perimeter and minimal heat and smoke within the containment line. Resources continued patrolling, improving containment lines where needed and holding the line where secure. At end of shift, containment remained at 85%.

Previous Days:

A Red Flag Warning has been in effect every afternoon since August 1st. Conditions have been abnormally hot and dry with highs near 104 degrees and minimum relative humidity around 20-25%. Southerly winds have been blowing between 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

On August 1st, there was no visible heat or smoke on the fire perimeter with one pocket of heat in the interior. Crews continued patrolling and improving lines as well as suppressing the interior pocket of heat. By end of shift containment was increased to 95% and all resources were released overnight.

On August 2nd, containment remained at 95%. One engine and crews continued to patrol fireline and provide heat suppression where needed.

Today:

Texas A&M Forest Service personnel arrived on site at approximately 10:15 am. After patrolling the fire perimeter, Incident Commander Cole determined the Classic Canyon Fire to be 100% contained and transitioned control back to the local fire department. All Texas A&M Forest Service have been released from the fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

There is a Red Flag Warning in effect this afternoon through tonight. Hot, dry, and breezy conditions expected through sunset with highs near 104 and minimum relative humidity falling to around 24 percent during peak heating. Intermittently gusty south winds will persist through the evening and overnight hours with sustained wind speeds up to 10-15 mph and occasional gusts to near 20 mph possible. Relative humidity is expected to recover to 75-80% tonight with south winds around 10-14 mph. Similar weather conditions are forecast tomorrow. No precipitation or major wind shifts are expected.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  None

Closures: None