Single Publication

Eastland Complex Update
March 19, 2022 
12:30 pm 
 
Size: 45,383 acres
Containment: 15%
Total resources: 403

Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) responders remain focused on life safety operations and structure protection. Working alongside local and state partners, firefighters worked to increase containment on each of the complex fires.

A cold morning today will give way to a warm afternoon as highs reach the middle to upper 70s. The light southerly winds will gradually increase to around 10-12 mph with slightly higher gusts. Relative humidity values today will once again be in the middle teens. A Grass Fire Danger Statement has been issued within the burn area to account for the elevated threat for additional fire starts today. Slight recovery is expected tonight as relative humidity values increase into the upper 40% range. The overnight recovery will be short-lived as another dangerous fire weather day develops on Sunday. A Fire Weather Watch is now in place, set to begin Sunday morning and continue through the evening hours. Relative humidity values will drop to the low to mid teens once again, but much warmer and windier conditions are expected to develop compared to today. Rapid fire spread will once again be possible Sunday afternoon/evening.

For aviation on the Eastland Complex today, Texas A&M Forest Service will have:
1 air attack platform,
3 fire boss single engine air tankers,
3 large air tankers,
1 type 1 helicopter,
1 type 3 helicopter, and
1 National Guard Chinook

Kidd Fire:
Estimated size: 34,000 acres
Containment: 20%
Date Started: March 17, 2022 
Cause: Unknown 
 
Yesterday, there was increased activity on the southern portion of the fire. Ground crews, including dozers and motor graders, along with suppression aircraft worked on hotspots and kept the fire from progressing in this area. Engine crew were focused on mop up operations around structures.

Ground resources will continue building containment lines around the fire perimeter. Crews will work to secure communities at risk and continue mop up operations around structures throughout the impact area. Engines will be patrolling containment lines to check for hotspots and mitigate any issues that may pose a threat to containment.

Wheat Field:
Estimated size: 5,000 acres
Containment: 20% 
Date Started: March 17, 2022 
Cause: Unknown 
 
There was increased fire activity across the fire area yesterday, but ground and aviation resources were able to work hotpots. There is currently no threat to the community of Rising Star. Today, resources will focus on constructing, widening and improving containment lines across the fire area. Engines will patrol the area and focus on areas of concentrated heat where vegetation continues to burn and smolder.
 
Oak Mott:
Estimated size: 6,000 acres
Containment: 50% 
Date Started: March 17, 2022 
Cause: Unknown

The fire is completely surrounded by containment lines. Crews will continue to improve these lines while also extinguishing hotpots across the fire area today.
 
Walling:
Estimated size: 383 acreage
Containment: 100%
Date Started: March 16, 2022 
Cause: Unknown

Evacuations and Closures
Shelters have been opened at the following location for anyone impacted by the fire:

• First Baptist of Eastland (405 S Seaman St in Eastland),
  
• First Fruit Christian Fellowship (325 W Lexington, Gorman)
  
• Myrtle Wilks Community Center (1498 I-20 Frontage, Cisco)
  
• Gorman Community Center (118 S Kent St, Gorman).
  

Additionally, volunteer organizations are stationed at Siebert Elementary (100 Little Maverick Trail, Eastland). Hay and feed, as well as a temporary animal shelter, are available at the Texas Cattle Exchange (9009 I-20, Eastland).

Damages and Injuries
A fatality has occurred on the Eastland Complex on March 17, 2022. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the individual during this difficult time.

No other injuries have been reported at this time. 

50 single residences have been destroyed by the Eastland Complex.