Livermore Ranch Fire Update
Incident: Spring Mountain Wildfire
Released: 5/3/2012
Livermore Ranch Complex Update
Thursday, May 3, 2012 - 11:30 a.m.
Fire Information: Phone (432) 426-3900, http://www.inciweb.org/, livermoreranchfire@gmail.com
Fire Update: The Livermore Fire Complex is composed of two fires: Livermore Ranch and Spring Mountain.
Ten hotshot crews and one Type 2 crew aggressively attacked the Livermore Ranch Fire yesterday with support from numerous aircraft. No structures have been destroyed. The fire is less than a mile away from the closest structure in the Davis Mountain Resort, but is not making any rapid runs toward the community. The crews successfully completed building fireline in a critical area near the Davis Mountain Resort.
"Yesterday was a banner day," said Jim Durrwachter, operations section chief with the Southern Area Red Team, during a Thursday morning briefing. "Now we just need to hold it."
Firefighters returned to the blaze this morning to continue building containment line and ensure that the fire holds in place. The Spring Mountain Fire remains lightly staffed and did not move outside its boundary yesterday. Crews continue mop-up operations.
Resources assigned to the Livermore Ranch Complex include hand crews, helicopters, engines, dozers and a Type 1 incident management team. Small and large airtankers are available for response. Approximately 460 personnel currently are assigned to the Livermore Ranch Complex Fire. Protecting structures and ensuring safety is a priority for those assigned to the fire.
Firefighters count on homeowners to help reduce risk. Jeff Davis County residents can learn about how to protect their homes from wildfire at a workshop scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday, May 3, at the McDonald Observatory Fire Station, 200 Lunar Circle, Fort Davis. This workshop, which was scheduled prior to the fire outbreak, will focus on prevention and will not be a briefing on the current situation.
Weather Update: A few dry lightning strikes could occur in or near the Davis Mountains on Thursday afternoon. Southwest winds around 15 mph are expected to return by midday. The long-term forecast shows the possibility of precipitation Monday and Tuesday.
Evacuation Update: The Davis Mountain Resort remains under an evacuation order, which Jeff Davis County Judge George Grubb will re-evaluate later today. A shelter remains open at First Baptist Church.
Closures: No road closures at this time. Officials encourage non-emergency personnel to minimize driving on Highway 166, the scenic loop.
Livermore Ranch Fire
Jeff Davis County
Acres burned: 13,387
Start date: 4/24/12
Percent contained: 40
Cause: Dry lightning
Threatened: Davis Mountains Resort community (150 residences)
Spring Mountain Fire
Jeff Davis County
Acres burned: 10,576
Start date: 4/21/12
Percent contained: 60
Cause: Dry lightning
