Single Publication

Laguna Larga Fire Update

Saturday, August 5, 2023

8:00 am

Size: 3,950

Containment: 100%

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:

Over 20 local, state and federal resources assisted Texas A&M Forest Service crews with containing the fire during the night of August 3rd. All containment lines were constructed and engine crews suppressed heat spots within the lines. There was one aerial hazard from an overheated power pole, the Safety Officer was on scene assessing the danger. The fire was 90% contained as of 9:00 am and due to better mapping, acreage was 3,950.

The air attack plane arrived at approximately 9:30am to provide visual assessment from the sky. Engine crews continued 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. By 3:00 pm containment was increased to 95%.

Containment reached 100% by 6:30 pm and Texas A&M Forest Service crews were released. By 7:00 pm, the Laguna Larga fire was transitioned back to the local staff.