Single Publication

Crittenburg Complex Fire Update March 28, 2022 2:00 pm

Size: estimated 33,175 acres
Containment: 45%
Personnel: 41

Texas A&M Forest Service personnel were requested by Fort Hood officials to the Crittenburg Complex Fire in Coryell County on March 27, 2022 during warm, dry and windy conditions. Critically dry grass and shrub vegetation supported the growth of the fire with some spotting of flammable materials ahead of the flaming front.

Yesterday, operational tactics focused on direct and indirect containment line construction and structure protection with ground crews. Aviation resources, including large airtankers, fire boss single engine air tankers and helicopters, provided support via water and retardant drops to help slow the spread of the fire and protect structures. Operations concentrated on the containment to the eastern flank as it approached and burned onto private property south of the City of Flat. Crews were able to use tactical firing operations to create solid containment line in that area. Fire behavior moderated overnight but the fire remains active. Additional resources arrived on the fire throughout the day and overnight to assist with suppression efforts.

Today, resources will continue building containment line focusing securing the head of the eastern finger, with as much direct containment line as possible. Aviation resources, including Blackhawks and a Type 1 helicopter will be dropping water across the fire area to slow the spread and help check containment lines.

Weather:
Current conditions in the area are expected to be less severe than yesterday. Wind speeds this afternoon will reach 15-20 mph. Warm afternoon temperatures are forecasted to reach the 80s and the relative humidity will reach 35-40% this afternoon. Fire growth will again be possible as a result of the dry air and moderate winds.

Evacuations and Road Closures:
The fire became very active on March 27 in the late afternoon prompting evacuations south of the City of Flat. Multiple cities north of Fort Hood including Flat, Fort Gates and Gatesville were advised to be ready for evacuation. Evacuations were lifted late on March 27. Community volunteers are publishing emergency information on https://www.facebook.com/CoryellEmergencyManagementVolunteers. Residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRed emergency notification system at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/bff2144c1ee5.


Damages and Injuries:
There are no current reports of injuries or damage to private structures.