Single Publication

July 29, 2023

5:00 pm

Size: 235 acres

Containment: 65%

Date Started: July 27, 2023

Cause: Unknown 

The Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) in coordination with the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS), McGregor Task Force (TF) and the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department began work on July 27th to contain the Classic Canyon Fire. TAMFS air resources were used initially to extinguish known spot fires and begin containment of the fire along the southeastern ridge and drainage area.

Yesterday: 

On July 28th, fire activity was low. A dozer was used to complete the containment lines along the ridge top and along the dried bed of the Middle Bosque River. Engine crews patrolled the completed containment line, spraying water to mitigate heat on the line and dousing water on smoldering trees. Estimated 65% containment at end of shift and all resources were released until start of shift on July 29th.

Today: 

The McGregor TF dozer and operator were released from the Classic Canyon Fire at 9:00am on July 29th. The TIFMAS and McGregor TF engine crew continued patrolling and holding the fireline. By 11:00 am, the McGregor engine crew was released and the fire was transitioned to new Incident Commander K. Cole. Remaining resources continue to patrol and hold the fireline. The fire perimeter has been more accurately mapped and now shows fire size to be 235 Acres.

Weather and Fire Behavior: 

Hot and dry conditions continued today with highs near 101 degrees and a minimum Relative Humidity around 25%. Morning winds from the southwest shifted to the southeast this afternoon. No precipitation is expected.

Wildfire potential will remain high for a broad area of Texas through the end of next week as the strong area of high pressure continues to assert its dominance over Texas.  Temperatures of 100-105°F will continue to drive moisture out of live and dead fuel nearly statewide, increasing the scope of dry to critically dry fuel that can support wildfire activity.  Periods of elevated fire weather combined with dry to critically dry fuel beds will support moderate potential for significant fires that are highly resistant to control efforts for the Western/Eastern Hill Country, Cross Timbers, Southeast Texas, Western Pineywoods, and Central Texas. Fuel dryness continues to build north and west across Texas, expanding the risk of increased wildfire activity into regions that have had limited wildfire activity in July.