Single Publication

Chalk Mountain Fire Update

July 27, 2022 10:00 a.m.

Chalk Mountain Fire Stats:

Size: 6,746 Acres

Containment: 40%

Location: 4.6 miles SW of Glen Rose, TX

Start Date: July 18, 2022

Cause: Under Investigation

Resources Assigned

Total personnel: 309 Engines: 22 Dozers: 10​ Handcrews: 5

The Southern Area Blue, Type-I Incident Management Team assumed command of the Chalk Mountain Fire at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Current Status:

Firefighters continued making progress on the Chalk Mountain Fire yesterday as the total containment increased to 40 percent yesterday while the acreage remained the same. The primary area of emphasis is the northern perimeter near the intersection of FM 205 and the northwestern edge of the fire. Visible smoke was observed in this area throughout the day as hotspots interspersed with unburned fuel are causing flareups. Aerial resources spent the day cooling this area, allowing ground crews the chance to work these hotspots. The fire continues to smolder and creep through this area.

Throughout the remainder of the fire, crews spent the day gridding for and extinguishing hotspots on the interior of the fire and focused much of this gridding in and around homes. The eastern and western edges of the fire are being monitored for remaining hotspots, and fire officials are pleased with the progress in these areas.

Fire conditions across the region remain at a critical level. Soil moisture remains completely depleted to a depth of at least eight inches. This means the moisture normally present in the ground is not available to slow the spread of fires. This lack of moisture is facilitating the smoldering and the burning of roots across the Chalk Mountain Fire.

Fire Weather:

Hot and dry conditions will persist throughout the week. An upperlevel ridge remains in place across much of Texas that is holding this heat in place. Temperatures will climb to as high as 104 degrees today with south winds expected at 8-12 mph gusting to 20 mph. Relative humidity will drop to nearly 20 percent. The current rain free streak at DFW is at 54 days (5th driest ever) with no rain expected.

Evacuations and Closures:

There are no current evacuations or closures impacting the Chalk Mountain Fire.

Contact the Somervell County Sheriff’s Office for the most current information on evacuations and closures:

Phone: 254-897-2242

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Somervellsheriff