KRTS Marfa Public Radio has received the most recent report on the Rock House Fire from the Southern Area Incident Management Team. The most recent acreage burned estimate is up to 299,363 acres. The fire is still listed at 66% contained.
According to their report, yesterday's more favorable weather conditions allowed firefighters to make good progress on holding existing line and completing burnout operations on the northern edge of the fire, and in Brown Canyon by the McDonald Observatory (the Observatory is open again, and they will be having a star party tonight). The area of fire that is northeast of Davis Mountain Resort (DMR) is very secure and DMR is not immediately threatened.
Today crews will mop up and secure the areas where burnout operations were completed yesterday and build handline to tie in with dozer lines on the northern edge of the fire. More crews and engines will be arriving today to secure and construct line and to provide added structure protection.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today. Winds gusting up to 40 mph will be from the SW. Fire officials remain concerned about higher winds, hotter temperatures and single digit relative humidity that pose a threat of increased fire behavior.
While this news is generally positive, the expected containment date of the Rock House Fire is still unknown. Currently, 8 crews are fighting the fire, with 30 engines, 8 helicopters, and 4 dozers present, along with 120 overhead personnel.