Single Publication

Chalk Mountain Fire Update

July 28, 2022 10:00 a.m.

Chalk Mountain Fire Stats:

Size: 6,746 Acres

Containment: 53%

Location: 4.6 miles SW of Glen Rose, TX

Start Date: July 18, 2022

Cause: Under Investigation

Resources Assigned

Total personnel: 309 Engines: 22 Dozers: 10 Handcrews: 5

The Southern Area Blue, Type-I Incident Management Team assumed command of the Chalk Mountain Fire at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Current Status:

The Chalk Mountain Fire increased containment to 53 percent yesterday, and additional progress was made on all other fronts of the fire. Firefighters gained access to a portion of the fire that presented containment challenges in previous days. This section of the fire was subject to frequent reburn, with persistent heat and visible smoke near the northwestern corner of the fire. Using a bulldozer, firefighters were able to establish a line around this interior pocket of unburned fuel and eliminate the heat source. As of yesterday afternoon, smoke was no longer visible in this section.

Using a gridding tactic where firefighters spread out in a line and search for sources of heat by systematically traveling over an area on parallel courses, crews are scouring the remaining portion of the Chalk Mountain Fire. This gridding tactic continues across the entirety of the fire with special attention paid to areas near homes.

Lack of moisture in the ground combined with unburned fuel near heat sources has made this fire challenging to contain. While progress is being made on the Chalk Mountain Fire, critical fire conditions persist across the region and crews remain available to respond to new starts as needed.  

Fire Weather:

The upper-level ridge over the Chalk Mountain Fire will hold hot dry temperatures in place into the weekend. Temperatures will climb to 104 degrees today with a low relative humidity of 20 percent. Winds will continue out of the south at 8-12 mph gusting to 20 mph. There is no chance of wetting rain today, but a slight chance is present on Friday. The current rain free streak at DFW is at 55 days (5th driest ever).

Evacuations and Closures:

There are no current evacuations or closures impacting the Chalk Mountain Fire.

Contact the Somervell County Sheriff’s Office for the most current information on evacuations and closures:

Phone: 254-897-2242

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Somervellsheriff

Safety and Notifications:

Personal responsibility and prevention of the next ignition is of utmost importance in preventing the next wildfire. Refrain from parking vehicles on dry grass and make sure all power equipment is in good working condition. Do your part to help our firefighters.

Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can’t. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

Fire Information:

Fire Information Line:

817-381-5914

Email:

2022.chalkmountain@firenet.gov

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/lssimt

Inciweb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8255/