Single Publication

Size: est. 1,000 acres

Containment: 75%

Start Date: June 28, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation, Human Caused

The Storage Fire, burning south of Possum Kingdom Lake and 9 miles west of Palo Pinto in Palo Pinto County, started on June 28, 2023. The fire is suspected to be human caused and is under investigation. The fire is burning in brush, grass and mesquite mix, and is showing low to moderate fire behavior now.

Evacuations: There are currently Voluntary Evacuations in place for the communities of Gaines Bend, Sportsman's World and Hell's Gate. Residents are asked to use caution if residents reenter the area as trees and utility poles may have been weakened by the fire.

One outbuilding was damaged Thursday afternoon, but no other structures have been lost. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Yesterday: Last night, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Engine crews focused on mop-up of several areas around the head of the fire and closest to the evacuated neighborhoods to the north. Heavy equipment was not utilized last night to allow operators to rest and recover overnight. Storms did develop overnight and engine crews patrolled the fire to watch for any spread from high winds. Little to no precipitation was observed on the fire.

Today: Texas A&M Forest Service heavy equipment crews will finish constructing containment lines today, working as close to the fire’s edge as possible. TIFMAS engine strike teams and engines from local fire departments are continuing to mop-up the perimeter of the fire and patrolling the area for any hot spots.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cloudy skies today will help to keep temperatures cooler and keep relative humidity above 35%. These clouds should stay in the area through the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may develop this afternoon with gusty outflow winds and potential lightning.

Temporary Flight Restriction: There is an updated Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the area over the fire, [NOTAM: FDC 3/9966, https://bit.ly/437Sg2D]. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft. If there are any drone or aircraft intrusions into the TFR, all aerial operations must stop.

Fire Information

Adam Turner

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: adam.turner@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 940-328-9158

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-storage-fire

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