Friday 4 PM: The wildland fire north of Fort Davis is 90% contained. The fire ran up in some rocky areas and died down. Crews did arrive from Fort Stockton. No structures were damaged. There are a few hot spots left, but crews are mostly focused on mopping up.
Friday 1 PM: Dry and windy conditions have expanded the wildfire 300 acres, with a perimeter of 3.5 miles. Crews are now working to keep the fire from getting close to a residence on its north flank.
Original Post: A small grassland wildfire began on Thursday, north of Fort Davis off SH 17 to Balmorhea, in Waterwheel Canyon. The initial report was made at 3 PM. The fire is thought to have started from sparks when a power line fell off its insulator. At 6 PM, it had grown to an estimated 10 acres. Fifteen firefighters – from Fort Davis, the Davis Mountain Resort, and the McDonald Observatory - worked the fire until shortly after 9 PM.
By Friday morning, the fire burned most of the northern side of the drainage and topped the ridge to the north. It continued to burn into Tarantula Canyon. The spread of fire appeared to be approaching buildings at the Tarantula Canyon Ranch. Because of rugged terrain, crews have been fighting the blaze on foot, with water packs and hand pumps.
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Late Friday morning, due to worsening conditions and rough terrain, firefighters requested additional personnel and equipment from the Texas Forest Service in Fort Stockton.
On Friday afternoon, officials warned drivers to use caution on Highway 17 north of Fort Davis.