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Day 8: Minimal Activity on Scenic Loop Complex Fires as Containment Number Rises

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The number of personnel fighting the Scenic Loop Complex Fires is expected to decrease as the fire comes under better control this week. (Photo by Marc Mullis)

As of Monday June 11, the Scenic Loop Complex fires are 80% contained. The total affected area is now estimated at 26,042 acres. Officials say although that acreage number may seem large, the fire has caused minimal loss to the lands affected.

On day 8, four of the seven Scenic Loop Complex fires are fully contained.

The Scenic Loop Complex fires — which began on June 3 when a lightning storm sparked 18 fires in Jeff Davis County — have blazed for eight days straight and affected more than 26,000 acres. A type 1 incident management team, a federal response group, has taken command of the fire operations, which has seen multiple fire crews and more than 270 responders from across the country. The number of personnel working on the ground is expected to begin decreasing this week, as the fire comes under greater control.

Fire officials say subdivisions in the region, like the Crow’s Nest and the Davis Mountains Resort, are not threatened by the fires.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the individual fires’ footprints and their containment (as of Monday morning).

48 Tank – 1,274 acres, 53 percent contained 
Bear Mountain – 10,899 acres, 100 percent contained 
Brooks – 141 acres, 100 percent contained 
Jones/Phillips – 1,215 acres, 100 percent contained 
Long X2 – 11,358 acres, 98 percent contained
Rincon – 16 acres, 100 percent contained 
Windmill – 1,139 acres, 70 percent contained 

 


Throughout the day Monday, responders will continue to work on cooling off the perimeters of the fires that are not yet 100% contained.

Fire officials say despite high temperatures expected Monday, existing fire activity is very minimal and should remain low through the duration of the day. Any new fire starts, however, are expected to be highly active given today's heat advisory.

The Long X2, 48 Tank Loop and Windmill fires have affected roughly 13,700 acres of the Davis Mountains Preserve.

Officials say despite an oncoming sense of relief with rising containment, fellow responders and community members are mourning the loss of Weatherford firefighter Richard "Andy" Loller, Jr., who passed away Sunday after suffering a medical emergency while fighting the fires here in West Texas.

We'll continue to provide you with updates as they become available

Sally Beauvais is a reporter at Marfa Public Radio.