Single Publication

The Chalk Mountain Fire has grown north of FM205 with the majority of fire activity in the north and northeastern areas of the fire.  Group torching and crown fires have been visible with the fire spotting up to 200 yards north from timbered areas into brush and grassy fuels. To the west, crews are working to keep the fire east of FM51. Crews will continue constructing fire containment lines and providing structure protection to homes around the fire area today.  

Weather and Fire Behavior: 
A heat advisory is in affect across the fire area today with temperatures expected to approach 110 degrees. Relative humidities are expected to be in the high teens with morning winds of about 10-15mph out of the southwest. Winds are expected to die down in the early afternoon and pick up by the late afternoon with gusts up to 20mph. There is a chance of thunderstorms late in the afternoon, bringing little rain but a high chance of high winds and the possibility of severe microbursts. 

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Hutchinson, Coleman Ranch Road, Rock Church Highway, and Nocal in Tolar, however, the evacuation order has since been rescinded.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 Somerville Expo Center is open and available for residents affected by the fire with food and sleeping arrangements. FM 205 from CR 1008 to FM51 is currently closed due to fire activity in the area. 

Damages and Injuries: 
The Post Fire Assessment Team arrive on scene yesterday afternoon and will be conducting structural assessments in the fire area. There are 12 structures confirmed lost at this time, however, this number is expected to increase as the Post Fire Assessment Team completes their assessments. There are no reportable injuries on the fire at this time.  

Special Announcements: 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unauthorized aircraft, including drones, near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and results in a suspension of all aerial firefighting until unauthorized aircraft leave the area. This hampers crews fire suppression abilities and can result in uncontrolled fire growth.