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Firefighters work to control two fires in north Texas, Chalk Mountain and 1148

Author Bill GabbertPosted on Categories WildfireTags

Multiple homes were destroyed in both fires

2:07 p.m. CDT July 20, 2022

Map of Chalk Mountain Fire 11:10 a.m. July 20, 2022 texas
Map of Chalk Mountain Fire 11:10 a.m. July 20, 2022.

Chalk Mountain Fire

The Chalk Mountain Fire 48 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas has burned more than 6,339 acres north of US near Highway 67 since it started Monday between Dinosaur Valley State Park and the community of Chalk Mountain.

It was first reported north of US 67, east of FM51, then spread north and northeast, crossing CR-205. Wednesday morning it was approaching CR-1008. Group torching of trees and crown fires have been observed with the fire spotting up to 200 yards ahead from timbered areas into brush and grassy fuels. On the west side crews are working to keep the fire east of FM51. Firefighters will continue constructing fire containment lines and providing structure protection to homes Wednesday.

Chalk Mountain Fire July 19, 2022
Chalk Mountain Fire July 19, 2022. InciWeb.

On July 19, The Hood County Judge issued a mandatory evacuation for the areas of Hutchinson, Coleman Ranch Road, Rock Church Highway, and Nocal in Tolar, however that evacuation order has since been rescinded.

A Post Fire Assessment Team arrived Tuesday and is assessing impacts on structures. There are 12 confirmed destroyed as of Wednesday morning, however this number is expected to increase.

There have been no reports of serious injuries.

Chalk Mountain Fire July 19, 2022
Chalk Mountain Fire July 19, 2022.

1148 Fire, Palo Pinto County

Another fire that started on Monday was the 1148 Fire on the north side of Possum Kingdom Lake four miles west of Pickwick. Wednesday morning it had burned 454 acres north of FM1148.

map 1148 Fire 1116 a.m. July 20 2022 Texas
Map of the 1148 Fire at 11:16 a.m. July 20, 2022,

Tuesday night a hand crew and dozers completed a fireline along the north side, connecting both the west and east sides to FM1148.

The Star-Telegram reported “At least two homes seen from the lake were visibly gutted by the fire. Authorities reported at least eight homes were believed to be destroyed, although assessment of the damage continued as the fire still burned Wednesday. The affected homes are in an area called Lake Shore Cove.”

Initially, 50 homes were evacuated. As of Wednesday that has been reduced to a voluntary evacuation.

Dozer constructing fireline 1148 Fire in Texas
Dozer constructing fireline on north side of the 1148 Fire. Posted on InciWeb July 20, 2022. Credit, J. Smith, Texas Forest Service.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

5 thoughts on “Firefighters work to control two fires in north Texas, Chalk Mountain and 1148”

  1. We had a forest wide call today and the FMO’s said that Texas was requesting all types of resources. I won’t go to TX ever again. Not as a HEQB, not as an AOBD, not in plans, not in finance, nothing.

    I dissent.

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