Single Publication

Mesquite Heat Fire Update
May 18, 2022
7:00 pm 
 
Size: 1,500 acres
Containment: 0%
Current Resources: 38

Current Status: The wildfire is very active and has jumped containment lines on both flanks near the heel. All resources, including aircraft, are actively engaged in reestablishing an anchor point. Retardant is utilized for structure protection and supporting line construction.

Planned Actions: Continue to use aircraft and heavy equipment to construct containment lines. Engines and aircraft will work structure protection.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Near critical fire weather conditions will affect the fire area today as temperatures warm to around 107 degrees, RH values drop to near 10 percent, and south to southwest winds range from 15 to 20 mph, with gusts to around 30 mph, although winds are expected to diminish by a few mph during the afternoon hours. A Fire Danger Statement is in effect for the fire area from late morning through the evening hours. There is also a chance for isolated shower or thunderstorm development during the afternoon hours, which would result in gusty and erratic winds if they affected the fire area. Overnight, RH recovery will not be very good, maxing out near 57 percent by early Thursday morning. Another very hot day, and near critical fire weather is in store for the fire area on Thursday, with highs again around 107 degrees, and RH's dropping to near 10 percent. A Heat Advisory is in effect today, and will likely be needed for Thursday as well.

Road Closures and Evacuations: For information regarding evacuations, please see the Taylor County Sheriff's Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/taylorcosheriff.

Evacuations are in place for residents in the following areas:

• Braune Rd between Hidden Valley Dr and Hillside Rd
• Braune Rd from Hidden Valley to Hwy 277 and all of CR 297
• East of the fire to Hwy 277 from Braune Rd to the rest area
• East of Hwy 277 from FM 1235 to Buffalo Gap

Evacuees can go to the View Baptist Church.

Highway 277 is shut down. Hidden Valley Drive and Hillside Road remained closed to everyone but first responders.

Damages: There are confirmed reports of structures destroyed and damaged by the wildfire. A post-fire assessment team has been mobilized to assess the fire area and determine the number and type of structures damaged.