Single Publication

Laguna Larga Fire Update

Friday, August 4, 2023

4:00 pm

Size: 3,950

Containment: 95%

Start Date: August 3, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

On Thursday August 3rd, Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) received a request for assistance on a fire approximately 11 miles east/northeast of Falfurrias, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded around 4:50pm, providing personnel, dozers and air operation assistance to the local fire department. The fire is burning at a high rate of spread through tall grass and brush within an estimated 3,175 acre area. There are no losses to oil field equipment and no structures known to be threatened. 

Yesterday:

The Laguna Larga Fire had minimal fire activity and was 90% contained at 10:00 pm.  Texas A&M Forest Service resources remained on scene through the night assisting local staff with containment.  By 8:00 pm, the fire had split with the eastern head stopped beneath a powerline. Dozers completed the majority of containment lines overnight while engine crews suppressed high heat areas within the line.

Air attack planned to return in the morning to assess from the sky with Blackhawk helicopters. The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) from Cotulla will join the other crews in the morning.  

Today:

Over 20 local, state and federal resources assisted Texas A&M Forest Service crews with containing the fire last night. All containment lines have been constructed and engine crews are continuing to patrol and suppress heat spots within the lines. There is one aerial hazard from an overheated power pole, the Safety Officer is on scene assessing the danger. The appropriate power company is being contacted. The fire is 90% contained this morning and due to better mapping, acreage now stands at 3,950.

The air attack plane arrived this morning to provide visual assessment from the sky. Engine crews are patrolling containment lines providing suppression where needed. Although there were some small flames and smoking stumps in the interior, the fire intensity was minimal and there were no containment issues during the heat of the day. Current containment is 95% and Texas A&M Forest Service plans to transition fire control back to the local staff at end of shift today.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Dry conditions continue today through Saturday, and probably into next week. South winds will shift to the southeast around 3 pm and increase to 10 to 15 mph. The relative humidity is expected to drop to around 35% for the afternoon, however there is a chance that the RH will drop to around 30% for the afternoon. Otherwise, hot temperatures will continue with heat index values around 115 through 7pm.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  One potential power pole

Closures: None