Fires blaze in Young, Palo Pinto as suppression efforts continue
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(MIKE WILLIAMS | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The 1148 Fire on Possum Kingdom Lake spreads to a home engulfing it in flames and eventually burning the entire structure down. As of Thursday afternoon, the 500-acre fire had been 45% contained after multiple units from around the state assisted with suppression efforts. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The 1148 Fire at Possum Kingdom Lake from the Brazos River Authority public boat ramp off FM 2951 in Graford Monday, July 18. -
(MIKE WILLIAMS | THE GRAHAM LEADER) A helicopter drops water on the FM 1148 Fire at the Young and Stephens County line Monday, July 18. -
(MIKE WILLIAMS | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Graham Fire Rescue units help suppress a fire on FM 61 and Burch Ranch Monday, July 18. -
(KYLIE BAILEY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Area units suppress a fire on Timberidge Road and Hwy. 380 West Monday, July 18 in Graham. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Onlookers look over the 1148 Fire at Possum Kingdom Lake from a Brazos River Authority public access area Monday, July 18.
Young County Rural Volunteer Fire Departments and Graham Fire Department responded to several fires across Young, Stephens and Palo Pinto Counties this week as hot temperatures combined with low humidity contributed to wildfires. Between Monday morning and Tuesday morning, crews responded to six grass fires.
According to the Young County Blotter, a fire was reported at 11:41 a.m. on the Burch Ranch on FM 61. GFD and Young County Rural VFD arrived just after noon at the fire. The scene was cleared at 1:21 p.m.
At approximately 1 p.m., Monday, July 18, the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) were requested to assist with a fire in Palo Pinto County that started in the 5200 block of Moore Lane near Possum Kingdom Lake. GFD and the Young County VFD were called at 2:28 p.m. to assist with a fire at FM 1148 and FM 1287 in Palo Pinto County.
1148 Fire
The fire near Possum Kingdom Lake was named the 1148 Fire by TAMFS. The fire quickly escaped initial suppression efforts prompting local officials to evacuate residents in the area. Initially, 50 homes were evacuated in the early stages of the fire. A voluntary evacuation remained in place as of Thursday afternoon. These evacuations were continued to ensure the safety of the firefighters on a narrow, winding road with the fire continuing, according to TAMFS. A shelter was established at the West Lake Chapel.
High temperatures, dry conditions, and Juniper trees with grass undercover provided the fuel for the 500-acre fire, making it difficult for crews to begin containment Monday evening.
For the full story, see the Saturday, July 23 edition of The Graham Leader.
