Single Publication

Hill Top Fire

News - 08/22/2023

Size: 200 acres

Containment: 90%

Start Date: August 18, 2023

Cause: Lightning

Incident Commander: Keith Mousel

Management Team: Florida Gold Team

Current Situation:

Crews will continue improving containment lines around the fire, using engines and hand crews to patrol and mop-up any areas containing burning material that they discover within 200 feet of containment lines. Fire managers have entered a stage they refer to as “Hover and Hold,” meaning that all resources will remain in place while a new weather pattern settles in that may test the security of the containment lines.

Weather:

Forecast weather includes continued hot and dry conditions with elevated wind speeds due to a new weather pattern. If fire activity increases, continued aviation support of the fire may be required. This afternoon, residents and visitors to the area are likely to see high levels of dust and ash blowing from the burn area as winds increase out of the east. Drivers are encouraged to use caution on highway 83/84 and watch for firefighting equipment entering the highway.

Evacuations and Closures:

There are no evacuations at this time, but citizens are encouraged to refer to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page for more information.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in still place for the area over the fire, today [NOTAM: FDC 3/8262,https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_8262.html. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.

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. On 8/20, two injuries were reported on this fire, but both were minor, and the firefighters were treated and allowed to return to duty.