Gibbs Forest Fire Daily Update: August 30, 2023

Gibbs Forest Fire Daily Update

August 30, 2023

11:30 pm

Size: 310 acres

Containment: 75%

Start Date: August 29, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance from Walker County for a fire at State Highway 30 and Farm to Market 3179 12.5 miles west of Huntsville, Texas on August 29, at 3:30 pm. 

In coordination with local fire departments, crews from Texas A&M Forest Service and USDA Forest Service- Sam Houston National Forest as well as several aviation resources were engaged in suppression efforts last night. Crews worked through the night constructing containment line around the fire. A burnout operation took place to enhance containment lines by removing a green vegetation pocket from the fire perimeter’s interior. Dozers were able to complete line construction around the fire at 5:50 am.

State crews are back on scene today with fresh resources containing multiple pieces of heavy equipment and engines to improve existing containment lines, patrol the area for spot fires, and mitigate any hazardous snags threatening containment lines.  

Weather:

North winds continue to supply the area with some drier air with the departure of a weak frontal boundary that has now moved well offshore. That same wind has allowed temperatures to remain below the triple digit mark at most locations for today. The relative humidity is forecasted to remain in the high 50s to low 60s by daybreak tomorrow.

Evacuations:

There are no evacuations at this time.

Closures:

There are no road closures at this time.

Damages and Injuries:

Currently, there have been no reports of injuries from the public or first responders. No structure or critical infrastructure have been lost.