On Thursday July 27th, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance for a fire approximately 10.5 miles west/southwest of Valley Mills, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded around 8:00pm, directing air resources to extinguish known spot fires and begin initial containment of the fire along the southeastern side where the fire came off the ridge into a drainage with thick juniper. All ground resources were initially disengaged to allow for air support. The air attack crew estimated acreage at 130 acres and no homes are threatened. Estimated containment at end of shift was 20%.

On July 28th, the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) along with engines and personnel from McGregor and the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department joined Texas A&M Forest Service on the Classic Canyon Fire. Fire activity was low, but spotting along the north containment line and heat along the perimeter remained a concern. As the fire moved down the draw from the ridge, fuel type transitioned from juniper and grass into hardwood. A dozer was used to complete the containment line along top of ridge, then moved to the Middle Bosque River bottom to extinguish burning snag trees. Engine crews patrolled the completed containment line, spraying water to mitigate heat on the line and dousing water on smoldering trees. Estimated 65% containment at end of shift and all resources were released until start of shift on July 29th.

Hot and dry conditions are expected through Saturday, with south winds around 10 mph. Highs will top out near 100 with minimum humidity between 20-25% during the day. The Relative Humidity recovery overnight will be to around 75%.

Juniper, grass, hardwoods

Initially, air resources used to manage fire in drainage with thick juniper.

Fuel type transitions from grass and juniper into hardwood down into the draw.

Spotting on northern edge during initial attack.

48 hours: Thunderstorms expected to arrive Friday with the potential for gusty outflow winds and lightning.

12 hours: Fire activity expected to increase throughout the day as warm temps and low RH, along with northerly winds a concern. Single tree torching with spot fire development is likely.

12 hours: Low relative humidity and moderate temperatures will result in active fire behavior. With fine dead fuel moistures at 3

24 hours: Increased cloud cover and cooler temperatures will reduce the potential for fire spread on Friday. Northwest winds will limit most fire spread to backing along the western flank. Single tree torching may occur, but spotting should be minimal.

48 hours: Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity will significantly limit fire movement in fine dead fuels. Heavy fuels will continue to burn and will be the most likely source of fire spread. Spotting should be minimal. Winds will shift to out of the east shifting the primary direction of fire spread.

72 hours: Sunday will be the peak of the cooling trend with lower maximum temperatures and high relative humidity. This will suppress fire behavior substantially, though expect burning to persist in heavy fuels. Surface fire spread should be limited to creeping and smoldering activity. Expect wind to shift to out of the south changing the primary direction of fire spread.

72 hours: Fire growth will remain minimal through the weekend but will begin to increase Monday. Fire behavior will remain low and slow in surface fuels, but more heat will be present in heavy fuels. Winds will shift back out of the west.