The Lone Star Incident Management Team of the Texas A&M Forest Service shared the following Saturday afternoon, March 19, of the individual fires that make up the Eastland Complex Fire, on the number of houses affected, current status of the fires, where shelters are located and various ways to help those in need.
Damages and Injuries:
A fatality has occurred on the Eastland Complex on March 17, 2022. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the individual during this difficult time.
No other injuries have been reported at this time.
50 single residences have been destroyed by the Eastland Complex Fire.
Kidd Fire:
Estimated size: 34,000 acres
Containment: 20%
Date Started: March 17, 2022
Cause: Unknown
Yesterday, there was increased activity on the southern portion of the fire. Ground crews, including dozers and motor graders, along with suppression aircraft worked on hotspots and kept the fire from progressing in this area. Engine crew were focused on mop up operations around structures.
Ground resources will continue building containment lines around the fire perimeter. Crews will work to secure communities at risk and continue mop up operations around structures throughout the impact area. Engines will be patrolling containment lines to check for hotspots and mitigate any issues that may pose a threat to containment.
Wheat Field Fire:
Estimated size: 5,000 acres
Containment: 20%
Date Started: March 17, 2022
Cause: Unknown
There was increased fire activity across the fire area yesterday, but ground and aviation resources were able to work hotpots. There is currently no threat to the community of Rising Star. Today, resources will focus on constructing, widening and improving containment lines across the fire area. Engines will patrol the area and focus on areas of concentrated heat where vegetation continues to burn and smolder.
Oak Mott Fire: (Includes northeast Brown County)
Estimated size: 6,000 acres
Containment: 50%
Date Started: March 17, 2022
Cause: Unknown
The fire is completely surrounded by containment lines. Crews will continue to improve these lines while also extinguishing hotpots across the fire area today.
Walling Fire:
Estimated size: 383 acreage
Containment: 100%
Date Started: March 16, 2022
Cause: Unknown
Evacuations and Closures:
Shelters have been opened at the following location for anyone impacted by the fire:
– First Baptist of Eastland (405 S Seaman St in Eastland),
– First Fruit Christian Fellowship (325 W Lexington, Gorman)
– Myrtle Wilks Community Center (1498 I-20 Frontage, Cisco)
– Gorman Community Center (118 S Kent St, Gorman)
Additionally, volunteer organizations are stationed at Siebert Elementary (100 Little Maverick Trail, Eastland). Hay and feed, as well as a temporary animal shelter, are available at the Texas Cattle Exchange (9009 I-20, Eastland).