Single Publication

Sendero Fire Update

Saturday August 5, 2023

8:00 pm

Size: 8 acres

Containment: 100%

Start Date: August 4, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

Texas A&M Forest Service received request for assistance for a wildfire in Bexar County at 4:10 pm where at least ten structures were under threat. Incident Commander Mike Dunivan requested crews and equipment from Kerrville, air resources from Fredericksburg and resources with Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) for assistance.  

The San Antonio Police Department provided a helicopter with bucket to drop water over fire until Texas A&M Forest Service air operations arrived at 5:00pm. The air attack plane directed single engine air tankers (SEATs) and helicopters with buckets to drop additional flame retardant and water on the flames, stopping forward progression and decreasing fire intensity of the Sendero Fire by 6:15 pm. Dozers, engines and ground crews began constructing containment lines soon after air operations completed the initial suppression.

Yesterday:

By 8:00 pm, the Sendero Fire was 50% contained at 8 acres. Texas A&M Forest Service Resources will be released tonight while the local fire department monitors fire containment. One residence was lost, but all other structures have been saved.

Today:

The Sendero Fire was 90% contained at 8:00am. One hot spot was found during night monitoring and Texas A&M Forest Service crews actively suppressed heat with water and equipment. Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) from Kerrville patrolled the fire perimeter, checking for excessive heat and suppressing as needed. There was concern of more possible hot spots, but the patrolling crews did not find any more.

The Sendero Fire was contained at 8:00pm. All Texas A&M Forest Service and TIFMAS resources have been released and the fire is transferred to the Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Very hot and dry conditions today with a Red Flag Warning and an Excessive Heat Warning in effect from noon to 9 PM. Winds will generally be below 12 mph this afternoon, increasing slightly tonight as seen in previous days. Low humidity this afternoon will rebound back into the 80s after midnight tonight. Similar
conditions to today are expected on Sunday.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  10 structures threatened, 1 home lost and1 home exposed but saved.

Closures: None