According to the Texas Forest Service, the Livermore Ranch Fire continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain. The fire is now 30% contained and has burned 13,387 acres. Crews worked the fire until late last night and resumed building containment line early this morning. The fire is less than a mile away from the closest structure in the Davis Mountain Resort. Winds associated with afternoon thunderstorm activity are making the firelines difficult to hold. Officials at the Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department reported that there was some activity late this afternoon with fire jumping the line, but the spread was quickly stopped out. Protecting structures and ensuring safety is a priority for those assigned to the fire.
“We’re going to do everything we humanly, safely can do to protect those homes and residents,” Southern Area Red Team Incident Commander Tony Wilder said.
The Livermore Fire Complex is composed of two fires: Livermore Ranch and Spring Mountain. The Spring Mountain Fire remains lightly staffed and did not move outside its boundary yesterday. There are a few hot spots in the interior that crews are working. The fire is still considered 60% contained, and has burned 10,576 acres.
Resources assigned to the Livermore Ranch Complex include four hotshot hand crews, two Type 2 helicopters, four single-engine air tankers, four heavy air tankers, 11 Type 6 engines, three Type 2 dozers and a Type 1 incident management team. Additional resources have been ordered and are scheduled to arrive today. Approximately 259 personnel currently are assigned to the Livermore Ranch Complex Fire.
Jeff Davis County Judge George Grubb is strongly suggesting that residents of the DMR evacuate their homes. The shelter has moved from Dirks-Anderson Elementary School to First Baptist Church. About 150 residences in the DMR are populated and evacuations remain in progress.
While there are still no road closures at this time, officials encourage non-emergency personnel to minimize driving on Highway 166, the scenic loop.