Longview-Gregg County Emergency Operations Center

http://txforestservice.tamu.edu

www.inciweb.org

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: Friday, September 23, 2011

Contact: 903-239-5575

Northeast Texas Fire Complex Update

Yesterday's rain temporarily cooled much of the fire area; Storms have moved out with drier air following behind

Northeast Texas - Engines, hand crews and air resources continue to patrol the Bear Creek, Magnolia Complex, Dodson, Rhonesboro, Gethsemane, Bowles Creek Bottom, Johnson Creek, Marshall, Diana, Marietta, Floyd and Angelina River Bottom fires. Firefighters continue to check on numerous carryover fires, mopping up as needed. Crews have checked 50 of the 63 carryover fires assigned; 39 of those fires are contained and mopped up. It is anticipated that crews will finish with mop up for the remaining fires by end of shift on Sunday. Resources continue to provide initial attack support as needed.

Yesterday, resources assisted Texas Forest Service with initial attack on a 12-acre fire east of Jefferson.The fire has been contained and crews are continuing with mop up efforts.

"As conditions warm, we can expect some additional holdover starts from the lightning activity that came with yesterday's storms," said David Abernathy, assistant chief regional fire coordinator for Texas Forest Service.

Resources that remain assigned to the fire include five hand crews, 26 engines, two water tenders and one dozer for a total of 306 personnel.

Today's weather is mostly sunny with temps in the mid 80s and relative humidity 30-36 percent. Winds out of the north 4-6 mph with 0 percent chance of precipitation. Saturday's forecast calls for partly cloudy with temperatures in the lowers 90s and minimum relative humidity around 20 percent.

Disaster Assistance and Donations

Cass and Marion County residents who have housing-related damages from recent wildfires are now also eligible for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The decision follows a state request submitted Friday to make state and federal assistance available to eligible homeowners, renters and business owners in Cass and Marion.

Texas Forest Service and the local volunteer fire departments are asking the public to continue to work on defensible space around their homes and property to lower risk in their community from wildfire. Long term forecasts indicate worsening conditions of the drought situation in Texas. Take responsibility for the safety of your family and animals. Develop your evacuation plan. For additional information on defensible space and evacuation preparedness go to: www.wildlandFireRSG.org and www.firewise.org