July 15, 2022Size: 675 acresContainment: 45%Date Started: July 14, 2022
Last night TAMFS dozers continued to construct containment lines around the perimeter of the fire through late hours of the night, taking advantage of the minimized fire activity.  Aerial support showed to be very beneficial in assisting the engines with fire suppression.
There were several structures that were threatened but saved, and no structure losses have been reported. 
This morning, the incident commander, on board of a helicopter, flew a recon flight over the fire to assess the size and progress of fire suppression, and also to develop a tactical plan for resources. 
Dozers will continue to work their way around the fire, removing any constructing containment lines, and improving any areas of concern. Engines are locating smokes around the containment lines and cooling them off. 

July 14, 2022

Size: 300 acres
Containment: 85%
Date Started: July 13, 2022

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and aviation resources worked on the fire yesterday through late hours of the night. Dozer containment lines were able to be accomplished all around the perimeter of the fire, allowing for better mapping of the size of the fire. Mapping showed to fire to be at 300 acres, increasing the original estimated acreage.

Today, the fire activity is low, but there has been reports of smokes showing in some areas, due to the elevated fire weather conditions. All reported smokes are being located and crews work on them to put out any heat sources found. Dozers continue to widen any sections of the containment lines that pose any concern. TIFMAS along with local engines are checking that at least 100 feet from the containment line, the burned area is cold and not holding any heat.

July 13, 2022

Size: 100 acres
Containment: 50%
Date Started: July 13, 2022

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) dozers have been working on constructing containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. Aviation resources have been providing support by cooling off the fire with water drops and slowing the fire down with retardant drops. Local engine resources have been patrolling and putting out fires along containment line.

The forward advancement of the fire has been stopped; at this time the fire activity has decreased to smoldering fire in some areas. Aviation resource (Air Attack) will continue to provide sky view information to incident commander, in the location of any areas of concern. Ground resources will continue to monitor for smokes, patrol containment line, and put out any hot spots found along the way. 

Due to Tatum Fire, there is a heavy presence of smoke blowing across State Highway 6, between County Road 127 and County Road 301. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the area to assist with traffic control. Please use extreme precaution while driving through this area.

River Bottom Fire July 14, 2022 Final Update

Size: 100 acres
Containment: 100%
Cause: Under investigation
Start Date: July 13, 2022 

Today crews made there way around the entire perimeter of the fire extinguishing hot spots and mitigating hazards. Dozers worked to improve their lines today, ensuring that they were drivable and left minimal impact to the soil. Crews worked most of the day on this fire until this afternoon when storms developed and moved over the area. Resources moved into safety zones and watched as significant rain fell on the fire and surrounding area. Once the storms had passed crews again monitored the perimeter before determining that the fire was contained and was not likely to escape their lines.

The fire will continue to smoke and residents may see smokes come up in this area. As long as the smokes are coming from the interior of the unit these smokes are perfectly normal and safe. If you do notice something and have questions please check with the Tolar Fire department.  

River Bottom Fire July 14, 2022 Daily Update

Size: 100 acres
Containment: 50%
Cause: Under investigation
Start Date: July 13, 2022 

Last night resources were able to get dozers around most of the fire and construct containment lines. Engines worked to mop up interior of the fire and catch any spot fires that became established outside the dozer lines. Resources were on scene all night monitoring and patrolling the fire. 

Today resources from Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments are back on scene. Dozers are working to improve their lines and cut out any unburned pockets of fuel between their original lines and the fire's edge. Engines are patrolling around the perimeter, putting out any hot areas they can find. Crews will be out there throughout the day molnitoring this fire, while still maintaining a few units available for new starts that may occur. 

The high temperatures will continue to be a danger for firefighters and personnel on scene. Resources will be taking breaks as needed and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated in this extreme heat.  

Texas Forts Fire July 15,2022 Final Update

Size: 122 acres
Containment: 100
Cause: Under investigation
Start Date: July 12, 2022 

Today crews went back to the Texas Forts fire to check all lines and make sure that the fire had no growth after the storms that moved through the area yesterday. Crews made several trips around the perimeter looking for any heat sources. After patrolling several times around the perimeter and identifying no heats this fire has been pushed to 100% containment. 
 
Residents may continue to see smoke rising from the area for the next couple of days. The interior may still have heat burning in some of the heavier fuels, as long as these smokes remain inside the lines they do not pose a risk. If residents do begin to see a large amount of smoke they should notify their local fire department. For further information please reach out to the Strawn Fire department.  

Texas Forts Fire July 13,2022 Daily Update

Size: 122 acres
Containment: 40
Cause: Under investigation
Start Date: July 12, 2022 

Last night resources from Texas A&M Forest Service monitored the fire all night. They patrolled lines and mopped up any hot areas they could fine. 

This morning crews have swapped back out and day shift is currently on scene. An additional handcrew is on scene today and they will assist with completing hand line and cold trailing the perimeter of this fire. Much of the juniper duff has been holding heat for long durations, causing difficulties for firefighters to contain this fire. Today will continue to be hot and dry leading to continued burning of these fuels. With some potential storms this evening there will be the potential for lightning in the area and new fires tomorrow. Personnel will be working to mitigate the risk from heat and these potential storms while extinguishing this fire. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was put into place today and extends through Friday July 15th. Tonight there will be several resources remaining on the line to work a night shift to ensure the fire remains within the established perimeter. 

Texas Forts Fire July 13, 2022 5:30 PM Update

Size: 122 acres
Containment: 30
Cause: Under investigation
Start Date: July 12, 2022 

Last night resources from Palo Pinto County and Texas A&M Forest Service worked on the fire till 4:30 am. They worked to construct dozer lines where possible and worked with aviation resources to knock the fire down to a manageable level. These resources successfully lined half the fire and conducted a burn out operation along a road to stop another quarter of the perimeter. 

Crews have been back on scene all day today and are working to put out hot areas around the perimeter as well as constructing hand line on the previously unlined area. Crews have been reporting a lot of heat underneath the juniper brush and that they will have to conduct extensive mop up. High temperatures today have hampered containment efforts and caused difficulties for aerial resources to assist with the fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was put into place today and extends through Friday July 15th. Tonight there will be several resources remaining on the line to work a night shift to ensure the fire remains within the established perimeter. 

Tomorrow resources will be back on scene and continue to work to mop up and extinguish hot spots. Weather will continue to be hot and dry with moderate winds, causing continued resistance to firefighters control efforts. Residents should be aware of emergency response vehicles and aircraft in the area and take precautions as necessary.   
 

July 13, 2022

Size: 320 acres
Containment: 100%
Date Started: July 12, 2022

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) have completed patrolling and securing control lines. Fire was turned over to local commander. All TAMFS and TIFMAS resources have cleared Double G Fire.

This site will no longer be updated.  Please contact local officials for any information needs.