5 PM Update: Click the link above to hear KRTS's most recent conversation with the Texas Forest Service.
According to the most recent update from the Texas Forest Service, The Livermore Ranch Fire is now 50% contained.
Yesterday was a successful day for firefighters. Fourteen hand crews were successful in completing control lines around the Livermore Ranch Fire yesterday. At 7pm Thursday evening Judge Grubb lifted the evacuation order for Davis Mountain Resort residents. However, drivers in this area need to be cautious and aware of heavier traffic than usual from large fire management vehicles and drive with lights on as dust is hindering visibility in this area. No structures have been destroyed. All control lines are in place and structure protection teams will remain on standby in this community.
“We are extremely pleased to have this line in place and are now focused at holding the control lines and continuing to ensure structure protection and the safety of our team in the field,” said Tony Wilder, Incident Commander of the Southern Area Red team.
Firefighters returned to the fire lines this morning to hold the control lines in place and monitor hotspots identified in early morning infrared over flights. The Spring Mountain Fire remains lightly staffed and did not move outside its boundary yesterday. Crews continue mop-up operations on both fires.
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 530 personnel from 29 states are currently assigned to the Livermore Ranch Complex Fire. Protecting structures and ensuring safety is a priority for those assigned to the fire. In addition, ongoing support from the Texas Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Public Safety, and Division of Emergency Management has been critical in the continued success of this operation.
The state of Texas asked FEMA for funds to fight the West Texas wildfires, and FEMA approved the funding. Up to three-quarters of eligible state and local costs for fighting the Livermore Ranch Complex can be reimbursed by the federal government.