Single Publication

July 29, 2023

4:00 pm

Size: 180 acres

Containment: 100%

Date Started: July 26, 2023

Cause: Unknown 

On July 26th, Texas A&M Forest Service crews, air support and equipment began working with the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) and local fire departments to contain the Rock Pile Fire. Due to the rugged terrain in the area, a large air tanker arrived on July 27th to provide additional flame retardant and an Emergency Medical Technician Team with a Rapid Extraction Module arrived from Kerrville to assist with any injuries. No injures were reported and no structures were damaged.

Yesterday: 

At 1:00pm, some heat was still visible within the fire containment area of the Rock Pile Fire. Engine crews continued patrolling the fire perimeter and extinguished all burning material near the containment lines. At end of shift, containment was estimated at 75% and most personnel were released from the fire.

Today: 

Incident Commander (IC) K. Wolf and one engine returned to assess fire this morning. After finishing the fireline check at 11:57 am, the IC declared fire 100% contained. The Rock Pile Fire has been turned over to the local fire department, and it will remain open until end of shift on August 1st. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: 

Southeasterly wind gusts will continue through the evening, peaking around 30 mph in the 10 PM -midnight time frame and dropping off a few hours before sunrise. This afternoon it was slightly cooler with a high temperature of around 88 degrees. Skies mostly sunny today with increasing cloud coverage this evening. Humidity will fall to around 20 percent with fairly decent recovery tonight of around 64 percent. Tomorrow will have a similar forecast as today, with southeasterly winds becoming gusty in the afternoon and peaking late Sunday night. There is an increase in precipitation chances, with an isolated thunderstorm possible in the Davis Mountains late afternoon/early evening on Sunday. This storm may bring gusty and erratic winds, as well as the threat of lightning.