Firefighters are currently battling a large wildfire just north of Huntsville that has burned thousands of acres of land in a matter of days.
The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that it had requested aid in battling a wildfire, dubbed the “Game Preserve Fire,” in Walker County on September 1.
The fire quickly grew, consuming some 500 acres within hours. The Walker County Emergency Management office recommended that residents within three miles of Lost Indian Camp Road evacuate the area. Officials also issued temporarily restricted drone flights.
The fire continued to grow over the weekend, consuming thousands of acres. Images and videos of the fire from the Texas A&M Forest Service Twitter page showcase fire personnel battling the flames while aircraft dropped fire retardant from above on the fire below.
Daniel Patterson with the Texas A&M Forest Service told WFAA that the wildfire threatened nearby structures on September 2. Patterson said that personnel had used measures such as backburns and bulldozers to contain the wildfire.
“This is a common firefighting technique to burn off the vegetation,” said Patterson, according to WFAA. “So when the fire comes through, it runs into an area that’s already burned, there’s nothing there to burn.”
The organization reported that as of September 4, the fire is now 70% contained. However, the fire has already consumed an estimated 4,428 acres of land. Officials have lifted all evacuation measures and road closures.
“Crews continue to improve containment lines around the fire. Engine crews are patrolling and mopping up across the area to check for any heat near containment lines,” said the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Game Preserve Fire is one of 25 wildfires currently burning across Texas. The Texas A&M Forest Service advises that while gulf moisture could lessen the potential for wildfires this week, the potential for them will remain.
“Significant fire potential may drop to low across Texas Tuesday and Wednesday as gulf surface moisture moves further north and west into Texas,” the organization posted on its website. “Dry to extremely dry fuel will continue to support high potential for wildfires each day.”
