There was a great deal of smoke reported on Saturday morning in Fort Davis, as a result of Friday burn-outs by crews working on the Livermore Ranch Fire. At the end of the week, the fire was estimated at 6,000 7,100 acres, with 50% containment.
Crews from Fort Davis, DMR, and Texas Forest Service worked the fire yesterday, with air-tankers and heavy duty helicopters in use. The burn-outs that firefighters did on Friday resulted in heavy smoke on Friday and Saturday morning in residential areas. The heavy smoke was expected and planned, and officials told KRTS that residents should not be alarmed by heavy smoke cover. Darker smoke often refers to timber and other heavy fuels ablaze. The fire is most active on its north side.
The Spring Mountain Fire is about 60% contained, with more than 7,000 acres burned.
UPDATE: Shortly before 7 PM on Saturday, residents of the DMR (Davis Mountains Resort) received Reverse 911 calls to evacuate the DMR. Some residents left to go into Fort Davis, and others stayed put. It was the first widespread use of the system. Sirens also sounded.
UPDATE 8PM: The residents of the DMR were asked to evacuate in an orderly fashion, according to fire officials. Residents were told when they evacuated they were not to be able to return this evening. The Livermore Ranch Fire had "gotten away from them," according to fire officials. KRTS spoke to a woman living at a higher level who felt away from the danger, watching "giant billows of smoke" in the canyon below, along with a constable. The fire is approaching from the northwest, and there is time to evacuate as a precautionary measure for residents of the DMR.