A fire thought contained yesterday is now blazing out of control due to high winds, and officials are urging people in the area to evacuate their homes as the fire makes its way toward Christoval, said Steve Mild, County and City Emergency Management coordinator in San Angelo.
The fire, which started yesterday afternoon by a lightning strike and thought contained last night, re-ignited today because of shifting winds, Mild said.
“The fire is about 2 miles south of Christoval down to Duff road, and about 3 miles east on Highway 277,” the coordinator said. “It’s continued to grow throughout the day. With the strong winds blowing out of the south and southwest, the fire is shifting north towards Christoval.”
Below, the pin is dropped approximately where the wildfire firefighter HQ is. Areas west of this pin, over to U.S. 277, and north and south approximately two to three miles are where wildfires are blazing.
Because of the direction of the fire, officials are asking people within the area described to evacuate their homes immediately. If they have no place to go, the Christoval Community Center on Main Street will be open to evacuees. Officials will keep residents informed of when it is safe to return to their homes.
Approximately 4,000 acres have burned thus far, and one barn and an unoccupied residence have been destroyed. Firefighters have also been trying to save an occupied residence in the fire’s path.
At this time, firefighters and volunteer firefighters from East Concho, Wall, Dove Creek, Robert Lee, Bronte, Grape Creek and more are working to put out the flames. Additionally, Forest Service Fire Crews are on the way and should be arriving within the hour. Area land owners and ranchers are also helping with the flames. So far, there are three 4,000 gallon county water trucks, a helicopter and some tankers being used to battle the flames.
“We’ve also got TxDOT out on the scene ready to operate on 277 along with Forest Services,” Mild said.
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The wildfire looking southwest from Toe Nail Trail south of Christivall at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 2015. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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The wildfire looking northwest from the Toe Nail Trail command post. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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The Bronte VFD returning from firefighting. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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East Concho VFD provided an additional tanker for the firefighting efforts. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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Christoval VFD returning from firefighting at around 7 p.m. Aug. 15, 2015. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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Grape Creek VFD heading to the blaze. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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A helicopter from Chase Net, Inc. and the Harkey Ranch near Christoval provided air recon of the wildfire. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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County bulldozers and road crews from all precincts are working the fire. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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The Salvation Army is providing free food for firefighter volunteers. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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A wide view of the makeshift firefighting headquarters along Toe Nail Trail. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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The wildfires seen from Toe Nail Trail looking southwest. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
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The wildfires seen from Toe Nail Trail looking southwest. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)
Update Aug. 16 at 9:45 a.m.
From the Christoval VFD via Facebook:
"Head of the River Fire update***** 20 percent containment this morning. Very little active fire. Multiple agencies and Texas Forest Service strike teams are in place building fire line and back burning. All evacuations have been lifted. Christoval is safe as of now. By mid day we will have a higher containment and we will provide updates throughout the day."
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