Texas’s PALO PINTO COUNTY Crews are still working to put out a major wildfire in Palo Pinto County that has scorched hundreds of acres close to Possum Kingdom Lake. On Monday, the fast-moving fire forced the closure and evacuation of Farm-to-Market 1148, which is east of Chapel Road. At least eight residences were reportedly destroyed, although nobody was harmed, according to officials.
The Texas A&M Forest Service’s Adam Turner said, “We’ve been pretty busy. It’s Monday, and this is our second fire of the week. On the northern side of Possum Kingdom Lake, some 75 miles northwest of Fort Worth, the fire is currently burning. The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that as of 10 p.m. on Monday, the fire had consumed 500 acres and was 10% contained. There are instructions for voluntary evacuation, the forest service added. A big concern, according to Turner, is that fuels like grass and trees are the driest they’ve been since a fire in 2011 destroyed homes near Possum Kingdom Lake. This week, it’s likely that dryness levels will break a new record.
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California-based helicopters and planes were requested to help put out the fires. Turner claimed that the lake reduced the time needed to refill water from a normal fire from up to 15 minutes to just 30 seconds. From their boat on the lake, Keith and Vee Hanssen observed the crews and the flames. When you can see it from the water’s edge, Keith Hanssen remarked, “it’s extremely intense. “It’s frightening,’ Vee added. We approached docks to speak with folks and inquire about their well-being.
The couple owns Possum Kingdom Real Estate and has sold homes all around the lake. They have lived on the lake since 1996 and are acquainted with many of the few regular inhabitants. Many customers and friends, according to Keith. We’re trying to send them updates and images, but the worst part is always the unknown. The fire’s smoke plume could be seen from 30 miles away about 5 o’clock. In the evening, bulldozers would work to create a perimeter around the fire, according to Texas A&M Forest Service. Because to the intense heat, firefighters were unable to approach the flames directly and had to concentrate on striking from above.
Fortunately, wind diverted the flames towards steep, forested, and uninhabited terrain to the north and west, sparing buildings but making air runs more difficult. It does add another factor, according to Turner. “It becomes more complicated. The pilots must work harder and concentrate more on how to fly up, over, and around those hills. Crews advised homeowners to get ready to leave the area if necessary because the fire was only 0% contained. Vee Hanssen stated, “The ranchers are concerned.” “Everyone is concerned about the lake.” They must pay attention, Turner emphasized. “Remain alert to what is occurring.”
