SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas – A wildfire in San Jacinto County has spread over 200 acres and sent two firefighters to the hospital, the Texas A&M Forest Service said Wednesday.
According to a tweet, the fire, which has been named the “Snowhill Fire” is west of Lake Livingston and currently is at 215 acres and 90% contained.
Update: *correction* the #SnowhillFire in San Jacinto County is 215 acres and 90% contained. Containment line is complete around the fire but firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire overnight, engaging in mop up to ensure all heat has been mitigated. #txfire
— Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) August 3, 2023
Fire activity reportedly increased and aircraft were assisting ground crews.
“We’ve been seeing that things are a little bit more receptive to any kind of ignition source. And that’s really what happened today,” said Matthew Ford with the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Update: the #SnowhillFire in San Jacinto County is an estimated 200 acres and 50% contained. Dozers are building fireline along each flank of the fire, as helicopters and super scoopers continue to drop water to slow spread. #txfire pic.twitter.com/YgU6WEHJ9B
— Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) August 2, 2023
“Aircraft continue to make beneficial drops to slow fire spread and assist ground crews,” Texas A&M Forest Service said.
A temporary flight restriction is currently in place in the area.
People are encouraged to avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.
Those with drones have been asked to refrain from flying them in the area due to the fact that they could cause injuries or even death to firefighters.
“For any counties that do not have a burn ban in place, we ask that you all just be mindful and wildfire aware,” Ford said.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the area over the #SnowhillFire in San Jacinto County [NOTAM: FDC 3/7308, https://t.co/czWy0PJgYy]. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft. pic.twitter.com/j1ZzWhPG0Q
— Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) August 2, 2023
The Forest Service said around 5 p.m., fire behavior intensified in an area where personnel were constructing containment lines. When this happened, two Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters received first and second-degree burns.
The firefighters received burns from radiant heat and were taken to a hospital where they are receiving treatment.
“With the sun going down, forward progression has been stopped as of right now and crews are making good use of that time,” Ford said.