July 15, 2020 – 5:00 PM Update

Background:

On July 11th 2020 at 3:42 pm, Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist National Park Service on a wildfire in the Lake Meredith Recreational Area near Blue Creek in Moore County Texas. National Park Service reported moderate to high fire behavior and with storm front passages, high temperatures, erratic winds, topography and multiple wildfires in the area, the Blue Creek Fire had many control difficulties. Many agencies called to assist the Blue Creek Fire were also fighting many other fires with in the county, leading to the wildfire resisting initial attack efforts and ultimately crossing the FM 1913 road impacting traffic due to fire activity. Evacuation of the affected park area and the neighboring Sneed Ranch was implemented with values such as cattle grazing land, fencing and utilities being affected. There was one structure that was threatened but no structures were lost during the initial operational period. 

National Park Service priorities for the suppression of this fire were focused on providing for the safety of the public, value protection, park natural resources and recreational areas. Resources from County Fire Departments, Texas A&M Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife were joined by Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Resources in the Blue Creek Fire suppression efforts.    

Current Situation:

The Blue Creek Fire has a confirmed mapped perimeter of 4,355 acres with a dozer containment line now at 90% complete. Crews patrolled the fire and have reported little to no heat sources along the perimeter of the fire and are continuing to work into the interior of the fire. Temperatures are lower than previously predicted and everything is looking good with regards to wildfire mop up efforts, resources are continuing to be demobilized. The Incident Commander reported the fire status will remain as being active until all areas showing heat or smoke are extinguished due to the wildfire’s proximity to the Lake Meredith Recreation Area.  There have been no injuries associated with the fire and there have been no reports of structures damaged or lost. In addition to National Park Services resources on scene, there is currently Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) with no control difficulties projected. 

Current Evacuations and Closures:

Sneed Ranch Evacuation has been lifted and residents are back on site. Off Road Vehicle Recreation Park at Blue West (Lake Meredith) – Closed, potential for reopening for this weekend once all hazard trees in the area have been assessed and removed.

Critical Infrastructure:

National Park Service has surveyed their property and only electric utilities were impacted and have been repaired.

No structures were lost. 

Ranchers are running estimates on loss of fencing, and gracing land amounts. 

Agencies Presently Involved:

National Park Service 

Texas A&M Forest Service

July 15, 2020 – 10:00 AM 

Background

On July 11th 2020 at 3:42 pm, Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist National Park Service on a wildfire in the Lake Meredith Recreational Area near Blue Creek in Moore County Texas. National Park Service reported moderate to high fire behavior and with storm front passages, high temperatures, erratic winds, topography and multiple wildfires in the area, the Blue Creek Fire had many control difficulties. Many agencies called to assist the Blue Creek Fire were also fighting many other fires with in the county, leading to the wildfire resisting initial attack efforts and ultimately crossing the FM 1913 road impacting traffic due to fire activity. Evacuation of the affected park area and the neighboring Sneed Ranch was implemented with values such as cattle grazing land, fencing and utilities being affected. There was one structure that was threatened but no structures were lost during the initial operational period. 

National Park priorities for the suppression of this fire were focused on providing for the safety of the public, value protection, park natural resources and recreational areas. Resources from County Fire Departments, Texas A&M Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife were joined by Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Resources in the Blue Creek Fire suppression efforts.    

Current Situation

Presently, the size of the Blue Creek Fire has been mapped at 4,355 acres. Forward progression of the fire has been stopped. There is minimal active fire at the present time and the dozer containment line is now 90% complete. There have been no injuries associated with the fire and there have been no reports of structures damaged or lost. In addition to National Park Services resources on scene, there is currently heavy equipment and fire engine crews from the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) on scene alongside Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team Resources. The fire was flown by helicopter yesterday for mapping and minimal to no fire behavior has been reported. Firefighters are working to secure remaining lines with engines and patrol for hot spots with heavy equipment working on reclaiming parkland. The fire has been transitioned from an Incident Command Type 3 fire to a 5 and some resources have been demobilized. 

Current Evacuations and Closures

Sneed Ranch Evacuation has been lifted and residents are back on site. Off Road Vehicle Recreation Park at Blue West (Lake Meredith) – Closed, potential for reopening for this weekend once all hazard trees in the area have been assessed and removed.

Critical Infrastructure

National Park Service has surveyed their property and only electric utilities were impacted and have been repaired.

No structures were lost. 

Ranchers are running estimates on loss of fencing, and gracing land amounts. 

Agencies Presently Involved
The following agencies currently have resources on scene:

National Park Service 

United States Forest Service 

Texas A&M Forest Service

3 TIFMAS - Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Teams (ST 20-110, ST 20-111, ST 20-112)

Fort Worth Fire Department (ST20-112)

Cedar Hill Fire Department (ST20-112)

Cleburne Fire Department (ST20-112)

Aledo Fire Department (ST20-112)

Southlake (ST20-112)

Brownwood Fire Department (ST20-110)

Flower Mound Fire Department (ST20-110)

Abilene Fire Department (ST20-110)

Wichita Falls Fire Department (ST20-110)

Vernon Fire Department (ST20-110)

Dallas Fire & Rescue Department (ST20-111)

San Angelo Fire Department (ST20-111)

Amarillo Fire Department (ST20-111)

Paris Fire Department (ST20-111)

Frisco Fire Department (ST20-111)

McKinney Fire Department (ST20-111)

Dallas Fire & Rescue Department (ST20-111)

July 14, 2020 – 6:00pm

Background

On July 11th 2020 at 3:42 pm, Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist National Park Service on a wildfire in the Lake Meredith Recreational Area near Blue Creek in Moore County Texas. National Park Service reported moderate to high fire behavior and with storm front passages, high temperatures, erratic winds, topography and multiple wildfires in the area, the Blue Creek Fire had many control difficulties. Many agencies called to assist the Blue Creek Fire were also fighting many other fires with in the county, leading to the wildfire resisting initial attack efforts and ultimately crossing the FM 1913 road impacting traffic due to fire activity. Evacuation of the affected park area and the neighboring Sneed Ranch was implemented with values such as cattle grazing land, fencing and utilities being affected. There was one structure that was threatened but no structures were lost during the initial operational period. 

National Park priorities for the suppression of this fire were focused on providing for the safety of the public, value protection, park natural resources and recreational areas. Resources from County Fire Departments, Texas A&M Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife were joined by Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Resources in the Blue Creek Fire suppression efforts.    

Current Situation

Presently, the size of the Blue Creek Fire has been mapped at 4,355 acres. Forward progression of the fire has been stopped. There is minimal active fire at the present time and the dozer containment line is now 80% complete. There have been no injuries associated with the fire and there have been no reports of structures damaged or lost. In addition to National Park Services resources on scene, there is currently heavy equipment and fire engine crews from the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) on scene alongside Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team Resources. There were active air operations yesterday, coordinated through TFS, with (3) single engine air tankers (SEATs) and (1) Air Attack unit on location. The fire was flown by helicopter today for mapping and minimal to no fire behavior has been reported. Firefighters are working to secure remaining lines with engines and patrol for hot spots with heavy equipment working on reclaiming parkland. Fire will be transitioning from an Incident Command Type 3 fire to a 5 and some resources will be demobilizing this evening. 

Current Evacuations and Closures

Sneed Ranch Evacuation has been lifted and residents are back on site. Off Road Vehicle Recreation Park at Blue West (Lake Meredith) – Closed, potential for reopening for this weekend once all hazard trees in the area have been assessed and removed.

Critical Infrastructure

National Park Service has surveyed their property and only electric utilities were impacted and have been repaired.

No structures were lost. 

Ranchers are running estimates on loss of fencing, and gracing land amounts. 

The following agencies currently have resources on scene:

National Park Service 

United States Forest Service 

Texas Fish and Wildlife 

Texas A&M Forest Service

3 TIFMAS - Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Teams (ST 20-110, ST 20-111, ST 20-112)

Dumas Fire Department 

Fritch Fire Department 

Potter Fire Department

Fort Worth Fire Department (ST20-112)

Cedar Hill Fire Department (ST20-112)

Cleburne Fire Department (ST20-112)

Aledo Fire Department (ST20-112)

Southlake (ST20-112)

Brownwood Fire Department (ST20-110)

Flower Mound Fire Department (ST20-110)

Abilene Fire Department (ST20-110)

Wichita Falls Fire Department (ST20-110)

Vernon Fire Department (ST20-110)

Dallas Fire & Rescue Department (ST20-111)

San Angelo Fire Department (ST20-111)

Amarillo Fire Department (ST20-111)

Paris Fire Department (ST20-111)

Frisco Fire Department (ST20-111)

McKinney Fire Department (ST20-111)

Dallas Fire & Rescue Department (ST20-111)

Due to wildfire activity in the area of Lake Meredith Recreational Area, National Park Services have closed the Blue West Off Road Vehicle area till all hazard trees are identified and removed. Potential reopening for this weekend. 

Fire is now 80% contained at a confirmed size of 4,355 Acres. Firefighters continue to make good progress. 

Fire is 60% contained as of last night. Firefighters continue to make good progress. 

Air Attack flew the Blue Creek Fire at 430 pm and reported all lines are holding well and minimal to no fire behavior. No areas of concern presented at this time.  

3 Seats worked the fire in AM.  
No Structures threatened. 
Power Companies working to reestablish down lines. 
Fire  has been projected to be 4500 Acres and 40 % contained.  

Fire containment is 100%, 1,110 acres. Fire has been turned back over to the local VFDs and the landowner.

Fire containment is 90%, 1,110 acres. Crews will continue to staff the fire and improve containment lines.