Single Publication

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: A reduction in fire behavior along with successful aerial support yesterday allowed crews time to focus on constructing line on both the west and east flanks of the fire. Line has been completed from the fire’s southern tip, up along the fire’s edges, to FM 205. These constructed lines are free of fuels that the fire can burn. In essence, these lines provide a break between the oncoming fire and unburned fuels on the other side of the line. Overnight crews assisted in improving line constructed earlier in the day.
On the northern portion of the fire, line has yet to be constructed as crews have been concentrating on providing structure protection to homes in the area. However, crews will begin constructing line along the fire’s northern perimeter today. 
Fire Weather:  Fire behavior will moderate today with increased cloud cover, temperatures decreasing to a high of about 100 degrees, and relative humidity increasing to a maximum of about 30 percent. Winds will be out of the southwest in the morning and shift to the southeast and east this afternoon, with gusts up to 15mph. Thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon over the fire area.

In timbered areas, the fire has been spotting up to 200 yards past the fire perimeter, with the fire moving up to a half mile an hour. In lighter fuels, such as grass and juniper, the fire has been moving about a mile and a half an hour.
Closures/Evacuations: On July 19, The Hood County Judge issued a mandatory evacuation for the area of Hutchinson, Coleman Ranch Road, Rock Church Highway, and Nocal in Tolar, however, the evacuation order has since been rescinded. 

The Somervell Sheriff’s Office recommended residents north of 67 and west of 56 evacuate on July 18, 2022. The Somervell County Expo Center is open and available for residents affected by the fire with food and sleeping arrangements. FM 205 from CR 1008 to FM 51 is currently closed due to fire activity in the area. CR1004, CR1005, and CR1008 from FM205 to CR1007 are also closed.