Single Publication

H&H Complex Daily Update, October 25

1:30 PM

• Size: 11,200 acres
• Containment: 60%
• Start Date: October 24, 2023

Fire Summary

On October 24th, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance for multiple fires off State Highway 73 and State Highway 87, approximately 7 miles west of Port Arthur, Texas. The fires were actively burning in a marsh grassland during initial response. In coordination with local fire departments, crews from Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Jefferson County EMC, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as several aviation resources responded to the incident. 

Use of heavy equipment is limited, as the majority of the fire perimeter is not stable enough for bulldozers, due to swampy conditions. A marsh-master from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  is assisting with access to the fire's edge. Multiple pieces of aviation were ordered during the first day and provided support to slow forward progression on both the North Fire (just south of HWY 73 west of Port Arthur) and South Fire (north of HWY 87 west of Sabine Pass) that make up the complex. Local fire crews initially focused on structure protection on a limited number of homes and outbuildings in the area of the South Fire. 

Today

While neither fire seemed to grow over night, efforts today continue to focus on accurate mapping of the fire perimeters. Access to extremely limited due to terrain conditions.

Reconnaissance flights from this morning show no active flames on the North Fire, but significant heat. A helicopter is supporting suppression activities, making water drops on hot spots that could threaten containment lines.

Crews are patrolling and conducting mop up operations on the South Fire. The perimeter lines have minimal to no heat along the entirety. 

Weather

Forecasts show the area will experience mostly clear conditions today, then becoming mostly cloudy this evening with a chance of overnight showers. Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-70's to low 80's, with minimum relative humidity briefly dipping to 60% midday. Winds remain from the southeast at 9-14 mph, and gusts from 16-20 mph.

Closures

There are no road closures currently. Any information on road accessibility in the area can be found on www.drivetexas.org