At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance for a fire burning in Bastrop, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded shortly after with personnel, heavy equipment and aviation resources. The fire is actively burning in pine and brush vegetation. Aircraft and engine crews are engaged in structure protection.

Structures are immediately threatened and evacuations are in place for residents on Harmon Road and Pine Hill Loop. Individuals with questions about sheltering and cooling centers should call 512-303-4300. Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management is providing information about evacuations and closures, https://www.facebook.com/BastropCountyOEM.

Hot and dry conditions are expected this week, with south/southeast winds between 5 and 10 mph.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the area over the Powder Keg Pine Fire. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.

Grass, Brush, and Timber.

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.