Hidden Pines Fire

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The Hidden Pines Fire was a wildfire in Bastrop County, Texas in October 2015. It burned over 4,582 acres and destroyed 64 homes and many other buildings. [1] [2] An investigation by the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department said the fire was likely caused by an accident on Luecke ranch near Smithville, which produced a spark that came out from around a cutting unit pulled behind a tractor. [1] [2] The spark ignited dry grass around the tractor, starting the fire. [1] [2] The fire was fully contained after 11 days on October 24, in part because of widespread rain. [1] [2]

Background

In the months leading up to the fire, Texas had frequent periods of widespread heavy rain, which was followed by a period of abrupt, intense drought. [3] The temperature continued to remain high as the summer heat lingered, with temperatures reaching 99 degrees on October 12 in the Austin area. [3] The drought continued to remain, and the Bastrop RAWS station reported only .25 inches of rain from September 12 to October 12. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Ricke, Claire (October 14, 2015). "Widespread rain brings Hidden Pines Fire to 100% containment". KXAN.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Jechow, Andy; Schwaller, Kevin (November 19, 2015). "Hidden Pines Fire ruled accidental, caused by equipment". KXAN.com. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 Jackson, Karen (2015). "Case Study of the 2015 Hidden Pines Wildland-Urban Interface Fire in Bastrop, Texas" (PDF). Bastrop County Office Emergency Management.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)[ dead link ]


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