More fires around Ft. Davis. It is rather awful and likely to get worse. There is a chance (depends on the winds - which were VERY strong in Terlingua yesterday - right now at dawn calm here) that the latest (Shurley Fire) could get the rest of Mt. Livermore and the Davis Mts Resort. Lets hope not. Go to http://www.marfapublicradio.org/ for images, map, and updates. DirtDoc KRTS News KRTS Update: Tuesday (April 26) 8:50 PM KRTS has confirmed reports of a large fire on the Shurley Ranch, about 26 miles south of Marfa. We spoke to Marfa Volunteer Fire Department Chief Gary Mitschke, who only had a moment to confirm the report before heading back to battle the blaze. 7:15 PM: Highway 17 north of Fort Davis toward Balmorhea closed as VFD from Alpine and Fort Davis fight the blaze that began near the Y intersection north of Fort Davis at the split between Highways 118 and 17. The fire then moved north toward Scobee Mountain. 8 PM: Highway 118 closed north of Limpia Crossing (north of Fort Davis) on road to the McDonald Observatory. 8:45 PM: Highway 17 once again open. Hazy, smoky conditions persist on area roadways. Fort Davis, April 26, 2011, smoke near Fort Davis Motor Lodge & Poco Mexico KRTS News KRTS Update: Tuesday (April 26) 5:45 PM KRTS is investigating new reports of a fire behind Fort Davis Motor Inn and the restaurant Poco Mexico. That fire is currently moving north. Fort Davis VFD and Alpine VFD are on the scene. Separately, Reeves County officials are evacuating residents in the area around Balmorhea Lake. Officials are asking residents who live on the outskirts of Balmorhea, to come into town, as a precaution. Residents in and around Balmorhea can get further information at a command center set up at Balmorhea City Hall. The Balmorhea State Park has been closed for a second day. KRTS News KRTS Update: Tuesday (April 26) 1 PM KRTS just spoke to Catherine Hibbard, lead public information officer for the Southern Area Incident Management Team. According to Hibbard, yesterday the fire grew by 10,000 acres, bringing total acreage burned up to 230,904 acres. KRTS will be reporting at the top of every hour on the Rock House Fire. Here’s the most recent update from the Southern Area Incident Management Team: Yesterday the Rock House Fire spread over Madera Canyon, around Forbidden Canyon, and over Timber Mountain and is now about a half mile from Cherry Canyon. West winds are expected to move fire along ridge tops in an easterly direction. Wind gusts of 35-60 mph could contribute to rates of spread of 3 mph or greater. Backing fires, or fires that move against the wind or down slope, are expected to the south and west of Madera Canyon. As the fire moves up slopes it could throw spots up to 500 feet over the top of the slope. A predicted Haines index of 5, which is a measure of atmospheric instability and dryness, is expected to promote fire growth today. Ground crews will continue to monitor fire behavior, improve control lines, and provide point protection for structures. Firefighters are focused on safety and will not be getting in front of the fire as winds, terrain, weather, and extremely dry fuels could align to increase rates of spread, flame lengths, and intensity. Numerous aerial resources will be available to assist ground crews, but high winds may keep them grounded. Additionally, there will be a status update on the fire for residents and neighbors of the McDonald Observatory this evening at 6:30 PM in the Visitors’ Center.
