The prescribed fire was completed at approximately 4:00 pm, with all objectives being well met. The treatment was most effective in burn units that contained high densities of freeze cured bunch grasses that were highly volatile. It was these volatile fuels that allowed the fire to become intense enough to carry through patches of green, moist grasses that have begun to grow due to recent warm and moist weather conditions.
A vigorous regrowth of native, fire adapted grasses are expected to flourish this growing season as a result of this successful application of prescribed fire.  

Sandhill Fire Update: March 23, 1530 hours
Location: approximately 15 miles east of Kermit, Winkler County
Acreage: 921 acres
Containment: 100% 

Fire crews have completed containment line construction around the Sandhill Fire. Low humidity with gusty winds and numerous dust devils are testing the containment lines but no issues have been reported so far. VFD and TFS resources will remain on scene to monitor the remaining smokes in the interior portion of the fire area. The cause is still under investigation.  

Sandhill Fire Update: March 23, 1100 hours
Location: approximately 15 miles east of Kermit, Winkler County
Acreage: 900 acres
Containment: 50% 

Numerous brush piles along the perimeter are holding heat and smoldering. No forward progression reported since last night.  

Current Texas A&M Forest Service resources are 7 personnel, 1 bull dozer, and 1 motorgrader. Current Winkler County VFD resources are 2 large engines and 1 county water tender.

Baffin Fire Final Update: March 21, 0800 hours
Location: Kenedy County, southeast of Sarita
Acreage: 4,800 acres 
Containment: 100%

Crews worked into the early morning hours to complete containment lines around the Baffin Fire. The fire is now 100% contained and has been transferred to local resources to monitor. 

Baffin Fire Update: March 20, 2300 hours
Location: Kenedy County, southeast of Sarita
Acreage: approximately 4,800 acres 
Containment: 75%

Firefighters continue containment efforts on the Baffin Fire. Forward progression has been stopped. Road systems in the area are being utilized to secure the fire perimeter. Decreased wind speeds allowed firefighters to make good progress. Resources will continue working tonight to contain the fire.  

The Middle Mountain prescribed burn (411 acres) was completed yesterday, March 30.  Rain (and possibly snow tonight) has moved into the area.  Fire staff will now move on to other prescribed burning areas in the Monongahela National Forest.  Please continue checking InciWeb for the latest updates.

Fire staff completed the Middle Mountain Prescribed Burn at about 4:30pm today, March 30. They have been patrolling fire lines and mopping up, where needed, since then.  All went well! 

We've had a report of some smoke on State Route 39/92 north of the Middle Mountain Prescribed Burn area. If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down and turn on your vehicle’s lights. Drive appropriately for the conditions.

Susan Greenleaf, Burn Boss for the Middle Mountain Prescribed Burn, just updated dispatch with the following information:

"Operations are going well and the smoke is dissipating nicely."   

The test fire was successful and prescribed burning has started in the grassy savannah area of Middle Mountain Prescribed Burn south of Minnehaha Springs in Pocahontas County.  Smoke may be visible from State Route 92 or County Route 23 from the Pocahontas/Greenbrier County line north to Minnehaha Springs.  For more information contact the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District at 304-799-4334.