Single Publication

Dirt Road Fire Daily Update

Sunday, August 18, 2024

August 18, 2024

Size: 1500 acres

Containment: 65%

Date Started: August 16, 2024

Cause: Undetermined

Structures: At this time crews have not identified any damaged structures.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place at this time.

The Dirt Road Fire started on August 16th, 2024  approximately 20 miles east of Spur, Texas. Local fire departments initially responded to this fire and requested assistance from Texas A&M Forest Service to provide additional engines, aviation resources, and heavy Equipment on August 15th at 7:20PM. 

Crews are using heavy equipment to construct containment lines, areas cleared of any kind of combustible material, around the perimeter of the fire, stopping any further spread. Engines are working along these lines, putting out any active flames and identifying any heat to ensure that fire can not cross back over the containment lines. Aviation Resources are assisting to extinguish hot areas of the fire and monitor fire spread.

Closures: There are no road closures at this time.  

Yesterday: Firefighters worked in high heat yesterday working to create containment lines and extinguish areas of heat. Fire activity was moderate initially yesterday and became more active over the course of the day. Forward progression of the fire moved quickly, making containment difficult. Aviation resources were utilized to assist with the forward progression of the fire that became more active after a day of high temperatures and low relative humidity. 

Today: Resources are back on scene again today, working to complete fuel break lines and extinguishing the hot areas of the fire. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures are forecasted to be in the triple digits again today which will dry grass and brush, potentially making them more available for fires. Relative humidities will be extremely low. With higher winds forecasted crews will be looking for more active behavior potentially and actively patrolling to ensure there are no new spot fires and that containment lines are holding.

Fire Information

Information Officer

Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: information@tfs.tamu.edu

979-255-0591

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-paint-crossing

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