Rains Help In The Fight Against Wildfires – Here’s The Latest Update

The soaking rains that we  had over the past 24 hours have certainly allowed firefighters to get the upper on some of the area fires -- however, there's still a lot of work to do as fires continue to blaze.

The latest press release from the incident command center follows the jump 

 

The East Texas Complex now comprises three fires – Dyer Mills in Grimes County, Bearing in Trinity and Polk counties and Power Line in Jasper County.

The addition of the Dyer Mills Fire brings the total size of the burned areas within the complex to 28,722 acres. Combining the three fires allows key planning and operational personnel to direct resources using a coordinated approach. As things begin to wind down on the Power Line Fire, resources are being re-allocated to the Bearing and Dyer Mills fires.

Although thunderstorms moved over the fires yesterday evening and this morning reducing visible smoke, fire behavior is expected to increase after the storms pass. Crews are currently taking advantage of the reduction in activity to make a direct attack on the remaining sections of unsecured line. Smoke and flame will likely be visible as the weather dries out and warms up.

Several local fire departments have had volunteer firefighters working day and night in an effort to keep the flames away from homes and other valuable resources. The work of these local forces is the key to the containment currently in place. Volunteer fire personnel are now beginning to re-supply and prepare for future fire activity on the complex as well as any new fires that may start in the coming days and weeks.

 

Dyer Mills Fire:

5,280 acres

75 percent contained

32 homes lost

Mandatory evacuations in place

80 homes threatened

 

Bearing Fire:

20,222 acres

60 percent contained

Two homes and six camp structures lost

No evacuations

 

Power Line Fire:

3,500 Acres

Nearing 100 percent containment

No evacuations

 

The public is encouraged to use caution when traveling through the burn areas, as fire vehicles are out on the roads.

 

Follow the East Texas Complex on Twitter: @EastTxComplex