(July 23, 2008)—While Hurricane Dolly batters the southern Texas coast, crews are battling a massive 3,000-acre wildfire that has already destroyed four homes and an outbuilding.
The fire is burning in Comanche County about 10 miles northwest of Hamilton, near the town of Lamkin.
The Texas Forest Service says the fire, which is burning in thick grass, juniper and shrubs, has not been contained.
It’s one of more than 20 fires that broke out Tuesday around the state, scorching more than 5,000 acres.
A fire in Lampasas County burned 214 acres and destroyed a hunting cabin north of Lampasas.
Hurricane Dolly could dump as much as 20 inches of rain in isolated areas of South Texas, but likely won’t bring much relief to the eastern two-thirds of the state where vegetation is drying rapidly, increasing the danger of additional fires.
In fact, Forest Service officials said Tuesday that the arrival of the hurricane could actually worsen fire conditions because of the winds the storm could produce in inland areas.
Bands from the hurricane could dump some rain on parts of Central Texas in the next 48 hours.
The forecast calls for just a 20 percent chance of showers Wednesday, but rain chances increase to 50 percent Thursday.
In this area, bans on outdoor burning are in effect in Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Mills, Robertson, San Saba and Williamson Counties.
Wildfire Resources
Texas Emergency Management Situation Reports From The Governor's Division Of Emergency Management
Texas Wildfire Information And Reports From The Texas Forest Service
Home Protection Tips
Farm And Ranch Safety Tips
Major Texas Wildfires
(Source: Texas Forest Service)
LAMKIN, Comanche County, Texas Forest Service. 3000 acres, no containment. Four homes and one outbuilding were destroyed on this fire burning 20 miles east of Comanche near the town of Lamkin. Numerous other homes were saved. The fire is burning in thick grass, juniper, and shrubs. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
3M RANCH, Blanco County, Texas Forest Service. 1200 acres, 20 percent contained. The fire is burning 12 miles east of Johnson City. Some increase in size is expected today.
717, Stephens County, Texas Forest Service. 250 acres, no containment. The fire is one mile west of Caddo and is burning in brush and juniper. Four structures and an oil well were saved.
SPIVEY, Lampasas County, Texas Forest Service. 214 acres, 90 percent contained. A hunting cabin was destroyed on this fire 15 miles north of Lampasas.
CR 194, Brown County, Texas Forest Service. 100 acres, 80 percent contained. No containment problems are expected on this fire 10 miles west of Brownwood. No structures are threatened.
CAMP SPRINGS, Scurry County, Texas Forest Service. 400 acres, 50 percent contained. The fire is burning in brush and juniper 15 miles east of Snyder. One outbuilding was destroyed.
ENCINO ROAD, Hays County, Texas Forest Service. 140 acres, 10 percent contained. Twelve structures were saved and two outbuildings destroyed. The fire is 10 miles southeast of Wimberly in the Encino Road Subdivision. Three residences were evacuated.
Uncontained Large Fires from Previous Days
BRADLEY RANCH, Wichita County, Texas Forest Service. 800 acres, 90 percent contained. The fire is burning near Electra in thick shrubs, oak, and brush with 30-foot flame lengths observed. Fire crews will complete line construction today.
MEPKIN, Mason County, Texas Forest Service. 450 acres, 95 percent contained. The fire is burning in grass, oak, and thick brush 12 miles south of Mason. Dozers, single-engine airtankers, and a helicopter were instrumental in saving 10 structures.
BETHELA GROVE, Grimes County, Texas Forest Service. 110 acres, 90 percent contained. The fire is burning in pine plantation 27 miles southwest of Huntsville. No structures are threatened and no control problems are expected.
WELL 35, Palo Pinto County, Texas Forest Service. 2530 acres, 70 percent contained. Forty homes and five oil wells were saved on this fire that was exhibiting extreme fire behavior and spotting. The fire is burning in thick juniper and brush.
MAENIUS, Blanco County, Texas Forest Service. 500 acres, 90 percent contained. Shifting winds and thick fuels were causing active fire behavior on this fire 10 miles northwest of Blanco. All structures were saved, but landowners report flames burning within 30 feet of homes.
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