Over 10,000-acre Dempsey fire blazes in Palo Pinto County

As of Wednesday, an estimated 11,598-acre wildfire continued to burn in Palo Pinto County south of Graford as firefighters both in Palo Pinto County and surrounding counties as well as the Texas A&M Forest Service continue efforts to suppress the fire.

The fire began Thursday, June 23 approximately 10 miles south of Graford. Texas A&M Forest Service reported they received a request for assistance on the wildfire from Palo Pinto County at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Departments from Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Jack, Young County and more have been assisting with suppression efforts.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported at 9 p.m. Thursday that the Dempsey Fire was estimated to be 500 acres and 15% of the perimeter contained. The following day the fire increased in size and was estimated to 6,500 acres and 12% of the perimeter contained as reported at 9:06 p.m. Friday, June 24. On Saturday, June 25 the department reported the fire had grown again to an estimated 8,000 acres with 12% of the perimeter contained.

“Texas A&M Forest Service is working in unified command with officials from Palo Pinto County. The agency is responding with personnel from across the state including 5 task forces with engines and dozers, frontline supervisors and overhead, and suppression aircraft. Aviation on scene includes a DC10, 4 large airtankers, 3 fire boss single engine air tankers and 2 helicopters,” Texas A&M Forest Service wrote Saturday.

A temporary flight restriction was enacted for the Dempsey Fire Saturday to provide a safe environment for the firefighting aircraft in the area from June 27-July 1. The Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office stated Saturday on their Facebook page that the fire had neared FM 4 and Grassy Ridge Road where it eventually jumped FM 4. The wildfire, as of Wednesday, was estimated to be 11,598 acres and had 55% of the perimeter contained.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, June 29 edition of The Graham Leader.