Single Publication

Final Update

This will be the final update for the Mesquite Heat Fire unless the situation changes dramatically.

The Southern Area Gold Incident Management Team will transition the Mesquite Heat Fire back to the Texas A&M Forest Service at 6 p.m. today.

Incident Commander Debbie Beard would like to thank the Texas A&M Forest Service, local fire departments and many other cooperators and resources who have supported operations since the Gold Team assumed command last Friday. She also wants to thank the residents in the local community for their hospitality during the team’s stay.

Current Situation

The Mesquite Heat Fire remains at 10,960 acres and is 93% contained.

Yesterday, firefighters on the northern end of the fire made sure the perimeter was cold around the residences because of the increased temperatures and wind. Two smokes were observed inside the fire’s perimeter, but fire behavior was minimal.

Today, resources will report for their final shift. They will monitor, reinforce containment lines, observe and seek out hotspots. The Type 3 helicopter assigned to the fire also will be released at 6 p.m.

Fire danger remains high during the day so aerial and ground-based resources will be ready to respond to any new starts.

Weather

A Red Flag Warning and Heat Advisory has been issued for the fire area today. Temperatures will rise to near 102 degrees with relative humidity as low as 13-16%. Southerly winds will increase to 25-30 mph with gusts of up to 40-45 mph. Slightly cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity will move into the area on Monday. Increasing moisture will then lead to cooler temperatures and partly cloudy skies through the end of the week.

Resources

Assigned resources include 122 personnel, a Type 3 helicopter, three engines and five dozers. Most of those resources will be released at 6 p.m. when the Gold Team turns the incident back to the Texas A&M Forest Service.