Monday, April 29, 2024
A large plume of smoke rises from one of the problem areas earlier this week during the early stages of the Chalk Mountain Fire in Somervell County.
While the Chalk Mountain Fire continues to do what wildfires do — destroying trees, grass, homes and anything else in its path as firefighters maintain their extraordinary efforts — officials have announced a meeting for Somervell County residents who have been impacted by the massive blaze.
American Red Cross representatives and case workers will be at the Somervell County Expo Center from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, available to meet with members of the public to discuss issues related to the fire, according to Somervell County Judge Danny Chambers.
The Expo Center, at 202 Bo Gibbs Boulevard in Glen Rose, has been a reception center for evacuees, along with being a primary hub for many of the fire relief efforts as far as distribution of supplies, and temporarily housing horses safely in the stalls there. The fire began on Monday, July 18 near the base of Chalk Mountain, and has toasted approximately 7,000 acres — some of which was remote, rugged land with cedar trees and heavy brush that can be challenging for fire vehicles and personnel to reach. The Texas Forest Service has provided crucial air support with both water dumps and fire retardant spray missions from airplane tankers and helicopters.
Earlier on Friday, Hood County Fire Marshal Jeff Young told the Hood County News via text message that the flames on the northern edge of the Somervell County fire had reached approximately 1,900 feet into southern Hood County, “in only one field.”
Both Chambers and Somervell County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Jones updated the overall Chalk Mountain Fire damage assessment late Friday afternoon, stating that the blaze once again was about 10 percent contained. The containment had been judged at approximately 19-20 percent the day before (July 21). Fire risk conditions can change quickly, based on factors such as humidity and wind speeds.
The number of Somervell County residences destroyed remains at 16, plus five others that have sustained some degree of damage. There still have been no fatalities or major injuries reported in the Chalk Mountain fire.
Chambers noted that as many as 300 firefighters have now been brought in from outside Somervell County to help battle the flames, and Texas Forest Service officials are now in command. With that change, local firefighters are now contributing in more of a support role — which has allowed them time to get much-needed and deserved rest breaks.
