Single Publication

 Britt Fire

Size:8,152 acres (mapped)
Containment:75%
Cause: Powerline

Yesterday, April 7, 2022, A wildfire started from a powerline in Wheeler County just North of Kelton. The Texas A&M Forest Service were requested by the Wheler county EMC for assistance at 6:00 pm and worked in unified command with Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department. High Winds throughout the day made the fire very resistant to control. Crews were engaged on the left flank north of Hwy 152 with heavy equipment and engines. Aviation was utilized to monitor the fire from above and to relay information to ground crews. Fire and wind activity decreased significantly when the sun went down. Crews used this to their advantage and were able to make good progress on the fire. Forward progression of the fire was stopped around this time as well. Crews slowly started to be released for the night. Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department stayed over night to monitor the fire.

For today, April 8, 2022, Crews will return to the the fire at 10:00 am and will begin to mop up and patrol any hotspots. Engines will also be patrolling structures that were threatened and extinguishing any hot spots found. Heavy equipment will be engaged with tying in any line where need be. Aviation resources will be available today if needed.

Weather
 Winds are forecasted to be out of the North sustaining at 20-25 mph and gusts to 35. With relative humidity values as low as 10%. For latest weather updates, refer to local weather forecasts.

Structures
Multiple structures were threatened, but no confirmed number on losses. Crews will patrol structures today to assess.