Valley Fire Daily Update

April 6, 2023

10:00 AM

Size: 248 acres

Containment: 90%

Date Started: April 3, 2023

Cause: Unknown, human caused

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aird System returned to the Valley Fire early this morning to continue mop up and patrolling for any hot spots within the burn area. Crews will continue these operations through this operational period. Very little activity or smoke has been observed over the past two days.

Evacuations and Closures

None at this time.

Damages and Injuries

None at this time.

Bent Willow Fire

Start Date 4/4/2023

Containment: 65%

Acreage: Est. 8,000

Cause: Undetermined

 As of yesterday, 4/5/2023, moderate fire behavior was observed throughout the fire, with the most active area continuing to be the right flank. Crews worked on connecting fire lines with heavy equipment while engine crews patrolled and mopped up any hot spots that were found near containment lines. Aviation has been heavily utilized on this fire making retardant and water drops. In the early afternoon, winds shifted from the NNE which caused a spot fire over containment on the right flank, but Single Engine Air Tankers were on scene and able to make retardant drops which allowed more time for crews to get it secured. no other concerns were seen throughout the day.

For Today, 4/6/2023, Minimal fire activity is being observed on the fire with some smokes showing, but are interior. The plan for this operational period is to have crews continuing mop up along the fire edge extinguishing any heats that they find. Also to look at containment lines and reinforce where ever is necessary. Accurate mapping of the fire is also a priority for today. There has been no structure loss or damage due to the fire, except for a few railroad ties that burned on the initial night of the fire, but were repaired that night. The cause of the fire is being investigated by law enforcement, but is still undetermined.

Current Situation: April 5, 2023, 8:00am

The San Bernardino National Forest (BDF) San Jacinto Ranger District (SJRD) has been facing challenging weather conditions from November 2022 to current, especially on Thomas Mountain, which has been impacted with frequent rain and snow causing flooded, muddy, and icy roads. This has made it difficult to access fire stations and fuel piles which were ready for burning due to some cutting carried out in December in preparation for this process of hazard reduction. 

These ground conditions have also impacted and restricted the mechanical work that has been taking place on the lower elevation of the project with a masticator.  Continued wet ground conditions have prevented the vegetation from drying out, making it difficult to ignite the fuel piles. The SJRD has been monitoring the situation throughout March and will continue to do so to determine the best course of action.  

It is essential to prioritize environmental protection when carrying out the burning of our fuel piles and mechanical work. Depending on the weather conditions and the state of the fuel piles, it may be necessary to delay the work until conditions are favorable. This is crucial to ensure that the roads leading to our fire stations and fuel piles are clear and accessible to avoid any potential safety hazards. The BDF aims to ensure that the work is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. 

Prescribed fire plays an important role in forest health and in reducing extreme wildfires and their negative impact. These fires also help reduce heavy fuel loads while simultaneously opening the conifer forest structure and maintaining the health of meadow habitats. Fire is also used to enhance native plant communities and cultural landscapes and improve wildlife habitats. Another goal is to provide defensible space for communities and developed areas within and surrounding the BDF. With all fire comes smoke, and the U.S. Forest Service work to mitigate smoke impacts from prescribed fires on the communities in the area.

#PrescribedBurn #PrescribedFire #ForestHealth #SanJacintoRangerDistrict

Valley Fire Daily Update

April 5, 2023

10:00AM

Size: 248 acres

Containment: 80%

Date Started: April 3, 2023

Cause: Unknown, human caused

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aird System returned to the Valley Fire early this morning to continue mop up and reinforcing containment lines put in over the past two days. Weather conditions have improved since yesterday when relative humidity values fell into the single-digit range and winds were sustained at over 20 mph. Due to persisting dry conditions, crews will continue to address any areas of concern to prevent any possibility of a rekindle.

Evacuations and Closures

None at this time.

Damages and Injuries

None at this time.

The Bent Willow Fire is now estimated at 8,000 acres and is 30% contained. Fire behavior is low with most active fire on the right flank. Crews made good progress overnight with favorable low winds following an overnight cold front, and higher relative humidity. Crews have arrived to relieve overnight crews and are beginning to continue building and improving fireline using heavy equipment, while engine crews mitigate hot spots and hazards. Aviation has been requested to survey the fire this morning, and single engine air tankers will drop retardant on the right flank of the fire to better protect structures to the south. There are no current area road closures or evacuations in progress.

Today the fire is being staffed by Texas A&M Forest Service Task Force from Childress and Amarillo, Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) strike teams, a wildland paramedic unit, Potter County Fire and Rescue and Bureau of Land Management.

Evacuations have been lifted as of 9:55pm for the Tierra Grande and Parks Circle neighborhoods. Residents may return to their homes, and should remain vigilant of changing wind directions overnight. If residents see flames near their homes call 911. 

All lanes of US 287 are now open.

Be cautious when traveling in the area. Visibility may be limited due to smoke and there may be emergency vehicles and personnel working in the area.

Mandatory evacuations are in place for all residents north of Givens and west of US 287.

Multiple shelters are open for evacuees:

• Chaparral Hills Baptist Church located at 4000 W Cherry Ave.
• River Road Baptist Church located at 8605 River Rd.
• River Road High School gymnasium
• River Road Middle School gymnasium

Additional information and updates: Potter County Fire-Rescue and Potter County Sheriff's Office.

Northbound US 287 is closed from Givens to Dumas due to low visibility from smoke. Please find an alternate route and avoid the area.

For information on the latest road conditions, visit https://drivetexas.org.

Evacuations are in progress for residents of Park Circle.

A temporary shelter has been established for evacuees at Chaparral Hills Baptist Church at 4000 Cherry Ave, Amarillo, Texas.

Follow Potter County Fire-Rescue and Potter County Sheriff's Office for additional information.