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Wildfire near Hamilton Pool Road about 95 percent contained, official says
Update 1:50 p.m.: A Western Travis County fire that broke out yesterday and has consumed about 200 acres is now 95 percent contained, authorities said this afternoon.
Now, crews are working their way in from the perimeter of the fire and “into the black,” or the center of the fire, putting out remaining hot spots, said John Durham, assistant chief for the Lake Travis Fire Department.
Also, additional brush trucks have been brought in this afternoon in case the threat of the fire rises again, Durham said. Triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour this afternoon could threaten progress made so far, he said.
The fire has consumed 200 acres of private property adjacent to the Milton Reimers Ranch Park, which remains closed for safety reasons and to provide emergency responders accessibility to the site, Durham said. There have been no reports of injuries or any damage to any structures, he said.
Earlier: A wildfire that consumed 200 acres in Western Travis County on Monday has emergency crews on close watch today as afternoon temperatures and winds could threaten progress made controlling the fire, authorities said Tuesday.
The wildfire started yesterday afternoon near Milton Reimers Ranch Park. It went to four alarms by 3 p.m., drawing 42 emergency crews from Travis, Hays and nearby counties.
By 5:30 p.m., the fire had spread to 60 acres but was 40 percent contained, said John Durham, assistant chief for the Lake Travis Fire Department. A StarFlight helicopter was used to drop water on the flames, he said.
By midnight, the fire consumed 200 acres and was 50 percent contained, Durham said.
Crews remained on scene overnight and this morning, although no additional resources were needed, Durham said.
“We will stay there until we are certain there is no more danger,” he said.
Milton Reimers Ranch Park remains closed, Durham said. But nearby roads, including Hamilton Pool Road, which was closed briefly yesterday, remain open, he said.
No homes or structures were caught in yesterday’s blaze, Durham said. One home was evacuated, but those homeowners were allowed to return last night, he said. No injuries have been reported.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 100 degrees today, according to the KVUE news weather report. Combined with projections of lower humidity and wind gusts of up to 10 or 20 miles per hour, this could raise concerns of a spread of the fire again, Durham said.
“With humidity down, combined with increased wind speed, we may need to plan on a little more vigilance,” Durham said.
About 25 acres in the same area caught fire Sunday. Officials said the preliminary cause of that fire appeared to be a failed insulator on an electricity pole.
