Single Publication

Smokehouse Creek, Windy Deuce and Grape Vine Creek Fires
March 2, 2024

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT

Smokehouse Creek Fire: Additional engine crews were assigned and will continue to strengthen control lines and mop-up along the perimeter of the fire. Six dozers will assist ground personnel and continue to construct fire lines where needed. The northern perimeter of the fire features many canyons where fireline is difficult to construct. Primary efforts today are holding the lines on the north side of the fire, as predicted strong southwest winds will test the established perimeter and has the potential to push the fire to the northeast.

Windy Deuce Fire: Additional engine crews were assigned and are continuing to construct and strengthen lines along the perimeter of the fire, mopping up hot spots near the lines. Dozers will continue to build and strengthen control lines. Fire personnel will be extremely vigilant along the northern perimeter of the fire due to the predicted southwest wind events.

Grape Vine Creek Fire: This fire now has four engines working to cool and control firelines, along with mopping up hot spots near the perimeter. Crews will be working near the east end of the fire to hold the current footprint of the fire.

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR:
A RED FLAG warning has been issued starting at noon today and will last through Sunday. Temperatures will reach into the mid-70s, with winds out of the southwest ranging from 15-25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph are predicted. Relative humidity may reach into single digits. Any moisture received two days ago is expected to be completely gone by mid-day. Grass fuels will be very receptive to any heat sources remaining in the fire. Fire has the potential to move at 1-3 mph and burn as quickly as 900-1500 acres in an hour.

MAJOR CLOSURES:
No road closures are in place at this time. Please contact the local sheriffs’ websites for the most current roads update.

BURN BANS:
Burn Bans in effect for Hemphill, Roberts, Potter, Moore and Gray Counties. Please use the following link to see additional Texas counties with burn bans: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans/

Fire Information Line: (806) 370-2179 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.TexasPanhandle@firenet.gov
Inciweb: Smokehouse Creek: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/txtxs-smokehouse-creek-fire, Windy Deuce: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/txtxs-windy-deuce-fire, Grape Vine Creek: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/txtxs-grape-vine-creek-fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllHazardsTFS/