Single Publication

Powder Keg Pine Fire Update

Saturday, August 5, 2023

8:30 pm

Size: 117

Containment: 100%

Start Date: August 1, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance with a fire burning in brush and pine in Bastrop, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded shortly after with personnel, heavy equipment and aviation resources. Air operations provided the “eye in the sky” for fire assessment as well as planes and helicopters delivering water drops.

Aircraft and engine crews engaged in protecting threatened structures, one structure was lost and one was damaged. Residents on Harmon Road and Pine Hill Loop were evacuated at 2pm but allowed to return at 9:00pm.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been lifted from over the Powder Keg Pine Fire.

Yesterday:

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Powder Keg Pine Fire was released at 9:00 am yesterday morning.

Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Commander N. Decker took over control of the fire this morning. Engines and crews continued working with local resources to patrol the containment area and provide suppression where needed.

By 6:30 pm, fire containment reached 98% and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) resources were released from the fire. Texas A&M Forest Service resources were released overnight and the Bastrop Fire Department remained on alert for any changes in fire behavior.

Today:

Texas A&M Forest Service resources returning today include two engines, one UTV and associated crews. Resources continued patrolling and provide heat suppression within the containment area where needed.

The Powder Keg Pine Fire was declared 100% contained at approximately 5:00 pm. All resources released, but Texas Parks and Wildlife will continue to patrol the fire daily around 3:00pm until Monday August 7th.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Very hot conditions are expected today and tomorrow with little relief overnight as temperatures only fall into the upper 70 degrees.
While minimum daytime humidity will be in the mid 20s both days this weekend, good overnight recoveries are expected tonight. With the similar conditions tomorrow compared to today, another Excessive Heat Warning and Red Flag Warning will be possible at the fire location on Sunday.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  One structure lost and one damaged outbuilding.

Closures: None