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Multiple Agencies Working to Contain 300-Acre Grass Fire in Washington County
For Updates Visit: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonCountyOEM/
Update 8/9/22, 1:17 pm: The evacuation orders have been lifted for Schulenberg Lane. Residents may return to their homes.
Update 8/8/2022, 4:34 pm from Incident Commander/Assistant Chief Tim Hamff:
Transcript:
Howdy my name is Tim Hamff. I'm the incident commander for the Burns Creek Fire. This afternoon, so far, our fire size is now 397 acres, our containment is 60%. We're still working on the cause for that; we've got crews looking at that, but currently our objectives are for life Safety, properties conservation, and continue ground and air operations to support getting to our 100% containment.
So far for the damages that we have, we have two primary residences that were lost during the firefight. We did lose numerous outbuildings. However, we were able to say 11 residences. Thanks to the effort of the firefighters that were here Right now. There's no reported loss of life or injuries. Currently we've got 46 personnel from the Texas Forest Service that are here helping out. We've also got 15 volunteer fire departments that came from across the Brazos Valley that came to help us here. Currently, we're good on donations, [so] hold off on those right now.
We really appreciate all the support that the public has sent out for us, it's really made a big difference in all the crews that have been here today.
Update 8/8/2022, 12:30 pm:
In an early morning briefing regarding the 300-acre fire on Schulenberg Lane, the following updates were provided:
- Acreage affected remains at 300 acres with 20% containment
- Crews worked thru the night cutting down trees to prevent fire spread outside the fire line
- Texas Forestry Service has two STRIKE teams on scene
- Multiple agencies remain on scene fighting the fire
- Bluebonnet Electric has six bucket trucks on the scene to assist in clearing rights-of-way and working to replace infrastructure damaged by the fire
- Evacuation orders are still in place for Schulenberg Lane
- Air assets will be used on an as-needed basis
- There are 0 fatalities and 0 injuries
Updates will be provided as new information is available.
Press Release by Washington County, 8/7/2022:
A 2:30 PM on Sunday, August 7, 2022, local agencies were called for a 100-acre grass fire on Schulenberg Rd. in Washington County. A late afternoon storm emerged in the area bringing heavy winds, causing the fire to spread quickly. Thirteen structures were at risk and an evacuation alert was given to all those on Schulenberg Rd.
At this time, 9:30 PM, there are 300 acres on fire with 10% containment, two of the 13 structures are a loss, two have minor damage, and there are no fatalities or injuries. Multiple agencies are involved including aircraft to drop fire retardant, and will work through the night to contain and extinguish the fire. An Incident Management Team and Command Bus from Bryan, Texas have been called and are in route to the location. Current wind is from the South/Southeast blowing the fire towards Lake Somerville so the goal is to protect all structures in the path.
Congressman Michael McCaul, Judge John Durrenberger, the County Commissioners, along with City Manager Carolyn Miller and the Brenham City Council have received a full situation report throughout the day and evening and continue to offer resources, as needed. There have been many requests for donations for the command staff, firefighters, and others involved so the Brenham Fire Department will serve as the drop-off location (101 N. Chappell Hill Street).
Updates will be provided on the Washington County Office of Emergency Management Facebook page as new information is available.
For Updates Visit: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonCountyOEM/