UPDATE 6:50 PM: KRTS News confirmed with Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department that the reports from the Texas Forest Service that the Livermore Ranch Fire has jumped containment lines on its eastern flank, as a result of erratic winds. As a result, this wildfire is now considered 0% contained.
KRTS spoke to an eyewitness in the northwestern corner of the Davis Mountains Resort who watched the fire climb down into Limpia Canyon. There are many resources on the wildfire in that area, and crews may even renew air attack. Many residents of the western portion of the DMR evacuated days ago, and calls have renewed for nearby residents to evacuate to allow crews to combat the blaze.
UPDATE 2 PM CT: KRTS News spoke on 93.5 FM to Patrick Allen, public information officer for the Texas Forest Service. The Livermore Ranch Fire, which is 10,346 acres and 50% contained, along with the Spring Mountain Fire, which is 9,980 acres and 60% contained, are now collectively being referred to as the Livermore Ranch Complex. The evacuation order for the Davis Mountains Resort – announced on Saturday evening – remains in effect on Monday.
There was minimal spread overnight to the Livermore Ranch Complex. "We had favorable conditions yesterday," said Allen. The northern and eastern flanks of the Livermore Ranch portion of the fire complex were most active, with hand crews, aircraft, and engines on those flanks. "There is good line around the rest of the fire," according to Allen. Crews held the fire's advance into the Davis Mountains Resort, which it was approaching on the subdivision's northwestern corner.
There are more resources on the Livermore Ranch portion of the complex than on the Spring Mountain portion, which is currently burining in rough country and is difficult to access. Fire resources there have been focused on monitoring that arm of the fire complex.
Allen pointed out that thunderstorm cells were developing in the region, which could bring needed rain but also could bring lightning strikes, which is though to have caused the fire complex to begin on Tuesday, April 24. "The storm developed in the last 30 minutes," said Allen during the 2pm interview. As a result of the thunderstorm cell, the "air attack" resources flying the fire have ended for the day.
Monday, April 30: Overnight weather conditions were somewhat favorable into Monday morning, as the Livermore Ranch Fire made no substantial advances into Limpia Canyon into the DMR (Davis Mountains Resort). The resort remains under an evacuation order. KRTS will update the acreage and percent containment as it's available, but until then please refer to our most recent posting.