Crews continue to battle large blaze near Huntsville, now 85% contained
WALKER COUNTY (CBSNewsTexas.com) - Firefighters continue to battle a large wildfire burning over 4,000 acres in Huntsville. As of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, all evacuation orders and road closures had been lifted. Although officials are still asking people to use caution.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Game Preserve Fire has burned an estimated 4,428 acres and is now 85% contained, as of 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.
Today, firefighters conducted a tactical firing operation on the western side of the #GamePreserveFire to help secure containment lines where heavy equipment could not access due to a creek. Flares are used to remotely ignite areas that are not easily accessible by foot. #txfire pic.twitter.com/tlTyJKouLW
— Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) September 4, 2023
"Crews continue to improve containment lines around the fire," TFS said in a statement. "Engine crews are patrolling and mopping up across the area to check for any heat near containment lines."
TFS said Saturday aircraft were dropping water to assist with firefighting efforts.
TFS said the fire started just before 4:30 p.m. Friday and grew from 100 acres to 1,200 acres by Friday night.
Gov. Greg Abbott activated the Austin Airtanker Base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Friday to "enhance Texas' wildfire suppression efforts" over Labor Day Weekend.