Reno Volunteer Fire Department and Allen Fire Department firefighter Michael Fox was deployed over the weekend to assist on the Deep Creek fire in Albany, Texas.
“I’m not sure how long I will be deployed for, but myself and five other Allen firefighters left in the Allen Brush 5 truck to assist in fighting the wildland fire,” said Fox.
Fox, who is also trained in wildland firefighting, has now teamed up with other strike teams to fight the blaze, which started on Aug 30, by a lightning strike, according to Inciweb.
The wildfire is actively burning in grass and brush fuels. Forward progression has not been stopped, and the fire is growing rapidly. Ground resources are working to construct containment lines around the fire. Aviation resources, including air attack, five single-engine air tankers, and three fire bosses, are working with ground crews to slow fire progression.
Texas A&M Forest Service is currently in unified command with local resources to manage the fire.
The fire is believed to be 3,971 acres in size, with a perimeter containment of 80 percent as per its last update.
Approximately 30 homes were under voluntary evacuation in the immediate area as a precaution, but all residents can return.
“Today (Monday), crews are working to contain the multiple slopovers that occurred overnight. Overall, the fire is looking good this morning with heavy fuels still holding heat. Containment lines will be tied in, widened and improved by dozers today, while engines will patrol and mop up,” stated an official press release from the Deep Creek fire incident command.
