Single Publication

Dirt Road Fire Daily Update

Monday, August 19, 2024

August 19, 2024

Size: 1525 acres

Containment: 80%

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 continue with containment lines and extinguishing areas of heat. Fire activity was moderate. 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:  There is continued hot and dry weather, with temperatures reaching 108 and relative humidity down near 13%. This allows fuels to dry quickly becoming more available for the burn. Winds are low which will help slow the spread of the fire.

Fire Information

Kate Faris                                                                            Information Officer

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service          Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: kate.faris@tfs.tamu.edu                                            information@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 940-533-5527                                                        979-255-0591

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

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