Single Publication

Size: 200 acres

Containment: 60%

Start Date: August 18, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

Incident Commander: Keith Mousel

Management Team: Florida Gold Team

Current Situation:

The Florida Gold team has continued constructing and improving containment lines today, using bulldozers, hand crews, and air support where necessary. The crews are battling rough, rocky terrain and high temperatures and they work to build depth to the lines in place during mop-up operations. Firefighters use a method called "gridding" to systematically work through areas of concern to identify and suppress any threats to the containment line. The weather will continue to remain hot and dry throughout the day and present a challenge to suppression efforts. 

Evacuations and Closures:

None at this time, but citizens are encouraged to refer to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page for more information.

Emergency Alerts:

Taylor County Commissioners Court implemented a county-wide burn ban for Taylor County effective immediately July 18, 2023 for 90 days or until substantial rainfall has saturated all areas within the County.

Alert Center • Taylor County, TX • CivicEngage (texas.gov)

Damages and Injuries: 

Significant damage to powerlines and to a repeater building were noted by fire managers on 8/19. The repeater building was largely abandoned except for a room being utilized by the Potosi Volunteer Fire Department. No other structure damage or loss has been reported.

One heat related injury was reported on 8/19, but the firefighter was treated and allowed to return to duty.