SIT REP 3: Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 1245 hours PST

Photo Credit: TX A&M Forest Service

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The Windy Deuce Fire is located about six miles east of Masterson on Cig Road in Moore County and about six miles east of Masterson, Texas.

It is burning near the location of the North CIG Fire location.

This fire started on Monday around 1820 hours CST on February 26, 2024, along with several others including large wildfire incidents, GRAPE VINE CREEK FIRE, SMOKEHOUSE CREEK FIRE, and one other for a total of five.

In the last 24 hours, two new wildfires have ignited named the 687 REAMER FIRE and the MAGENTA FIRE. All of these wildfires (incidents) are listed as separate posts.

COMMAND

Management of the fire is in Unified Command with The TX A&M Forest Service, Potter County Fire & Rescue, and the National Park Service.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Texas Department of Agriculture

“As Texas Agriculture Commissioner, I am deeply concerned about the devastating wildfires raging through the Texas Panhandle. These fires not only threaten lives and property but also have a significant impact on our agriculture industry. We stand in solidarity with our farmers and ranchers facing loss and destruction. Our thoughts are with them during this challenging time, and we’re committed to supporting their recovery efforts every step of the way.” – TX Dept. of Ag. Commissioner Sid Miller | Photo Credit

CURRENT STATUS

The fire has burned about 90,000 acres and has a 25% containment status.

EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT: Fritch, Double Diamond, Arrowhead Addition, Maverick, Alibates, McBride, Mullinaw, Harbory Bay, Chisolm Trail, Arroyo Grande, and Sage Brush.

EVACUATION SHELTERS: Church of Christ, Borger, TX, and Fairlands Baptist Church, Borger, TX.

The cause is currently unknown and under investigation.

The Pantex Nuclear Weapons Plan in Amarillo, TX, paused its operations last night and evacuated non-essential personnel as a precaution due to the wildfires. Per a presser, their employees were building a fire barrier (structure protection) around their structures to protect plant facilities.

However, according to Officials with the Pantex Plant. All employees were accounted for as conducted through their employee accountability process were accounted for and non-essential personnel were no longer on their plant site. Normal operations returned on Wednesday, February 28, with all personnel being ordered back to work for duty according to their assigned schedules.

The Governor of the State of Texas, Greg Abbott issued a Disaster Proclamation for more than 60 Texan counties.

FIRE OPERATIONS

Aircraft Fire Suppression: Aircraft from the Texas National Guard will be on scene today providing water drops to aid in suppressing areas of intense fire and heat so that ground resources can go direct into the area and construct lines. There are large areas of unburned grass, or fuel, inside of the burned area so some of these areas will continue to burn today and produce smoke.

Today’s Fire Operations: Wildland Firefighters are out working to continue building containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. Heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders are working to create lines of dirt around the perimeter of the fire so that there is no additional outward growth. Additional fire engines are arriving today and will be working to protect structures and patrol through already burned areas to prevent any further structure loss.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

An unknown number of structures have been confirmed by Fire Officials as being lost and damaged.

No injuries have been reported.

Road Closure: Hwy 136 on both sides of Fritch, TX. EVACUATE to the north towards Sanford, TX.

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA

@nwfireblog : Twitter & Facebook

Join us here on our Official Fire Blog and sign up for email fire updates to receive other great fire news.

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog