Monday, April 29, 2024
The Chalk Mountain Fire, which began Monday in Somervell County, has burned more than 6,000 acres and is 10% contained, according to officials.
The wildfire that began Monday, July 18, at the base of Chalk Mountain has burned at least 6,000 acres in northern Somervell County, but fortunately no fatalities or major injuries have been reported. However, on Wednesday morning with the fire remaining at 10 percent containment, Hood County Fire Marshal Jeff Young said that the flames have now lapped into southern Hood County.
Somervell County Judge Danny Chambers told the Hood County News that a disaster declaration for the Chalk Mountain Fire was made official as of 4 p.m. Monday, opening the door for state assistance and funding.
Among multiple firefighting agencies battling the massive fire are several from Hood County. Fire Marshal Jeff Young said that five or six brush trucks and two to three water tankers are being rotated to help with the mutual aid, but some had to be borrowed on Tuesday evening to fight a rekindle of a fire south of Tolar that began last week and was previously believed to be extinguished.
The wind-aided Chalk Mountain Fire has been moving north toward Hood County, and is currently about 10 percent contained, Chambers noted.
Chambers and Young both reported that there have been no fatalities or injuries so far, and evacuations went smoothly as the Somervell County fire unfolded.
Chambers said it’s difficult to estimate the number of homes and structures that have been destroyed or damaged, but he said there are likely between 12 and 20 affected so far. One specific Somervell family lost five separate homes, he said.
All surrounding counties, along with the Texas Forest Service are assisting, which includes valuable firefighting helicopter and airplane contributions.
“We’re bringing in more manpower every day,” Chambers said. “We’ve got people coming in from all over the country. It’s a hell of a fire. There are still a lot of hot spots. Valleys and the terrain are killing us.”
Although many of the firefighters may be worn out, Chambers said they are “warriors” and “They just don’t give up. The group has done such a great job.”
Chambers noted on Wednesday that the parameters of the Chalk Mountain fire include areas near Loco Coyote Grill on County Road 1004, north to just over the Hood County line near the vicinity of Paluxy Highway, and on the east just into the property when Dinosaur Valley State Park is located, on 1629 Park Road 59, to Chalk Mountain on the west edge, where the fire started.
Chambers, along with a Texas A&M Forest Service representative, have said that the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant near Glen Rose is not in danger from the fire.
DONATIONS, ASSISTANCE
The Somervell County Sheriff’s Office, at 750 Bo Gibbs Boulevard in Glen Rose, is a drop-off point for anyone donating supplies and/or monetary-only donations.
Erath County Emergency Management Coordinator Cindy Smith, who is currently acting public information officer for Somervell County, said that direct deposit monetary donations to help fire victims can be made during regular business hours at First Financial Bank, at 400 N.E. Big Bend Trail in Glen Rose.
Somervell County has set up a reception center at the Somervell County Expo Center for any evacuees who need shelter.
A Facebook post stated, “Please check in with Red Cross at the Expo circle drive for any displaced residents.”
ANIMALS
Butler Feeds, at 1310 N.W. Big Bend Trail in Glen Rose, is a hub for organizing and handling the relocation of many large animals — horses and cattle. The feed store’s number is 254-897-2696. Donations of either cattle cubes or hay can be brought to the feed store.
Brenda Ransom, co-manager of Butler Feeds, told the HCN that the store owner — her son, Bodie Butler — along with Gerry Byrn of Diamond Cross Rodeo Co., have been hauling cattle and horses out of the fire danger areas. She said that more than 300 head of cattle have been dispersed to various locations in the area. Horses rescued from the danger areas have been taken to the Somervell County Expo Center, at 202 Bo Gibbs Boulevard in Glen Rose.
MaKayla Allmon, manager of the Somervell County Expo Center, said on Tuesday afternoon that there are “still plenty of stalls left” for residents to leave their horses until the danger is over. Approximately 85 stalls were occupied as of Tuesday, and about 200 were still available.
Allmon can be reached to answer questions about using the stalls during the crisis by calling 254-436-8011. Donations of either horse or cattle feed can be brought to the Expo Center, Allmon said.
