Posted on 03/12/2006 7:10:48 PM PST by native texan
My son is a firefighter in Pampa, Texas, a town 50 miles East of Amarillo. He called this afternoon saying that there were bad grass fires all around their area. Since that time I have not heard from him again, but am getting reports from different people in that area. They are evacuating 7 towns, two complete counties (Wheeler and Roberts), one county, Hutchinson, is completely "lost". Cars are backed up on the highways trying to get out of the area. Wind has been blowing in excess of 60MPH.
Towns include Skellytown, McClain, Miami, Lefores, Wheeler, Old Mobeetie, New Mobeetie, all of Roberts County, all of Wheeler County. These are all small towns east of Amarillo, Texas.
Towns include Skellytown, McClain, Miami, Lefores, Wheeler, Old Mobeetie, New Mobeetie, all of Roberts County, all of Wheeler County. These are all small towns east of Amarillo, Texas.
I live near Tucumcari, NM and one fire burned 8,000 acres last night burning to within 3 miles of where I live. Fortunately, they got it out during the night before the wind got up this morning.
Prayers for all!
Driven thru that country many times....
Love the prairie.,...
I'm about 100 miles south of there. It's blowing pretty good here, too, but so far just minor fires.
We really could use some prayers for rain. It's very dry here, more so even than usual.
I have a very good friend who lives in Pampa. Prayers for your son and everyone out there... please ping me if you get more info.
They evacuated Skellytown? All 10 people?
What about Bowers City?
The lastest I have heard is that the fire has come to the edge of Pampa, northwest edge where the hospital is located. It jumped Hwy 70 and continues to burn toward the east. That would take it toward the golf course. Don't know if know or not, but T. Boone Picken's ranch is right in the path of where it's been. One of my friends e-mailed me and said she can see flames from her kitchen window. Thank you for your prayers for Bob....
I am so glad you were spared.
I am so glad you were spared.
From http://www.amarillo.com
High winds fuel fires
Howling winds across the Texas Panhandle on Sunday fueled at least seven grass fires, with one destroying two structures near Borger.
Shane Brown, regional fire coordinator for the Texas Forest Service, said at least seven areas in the region have requested aerial drops to battle grass fires. The extremely high winds, however, are preventing planes from launching.
Brown said one large fire was burning between Borger and Skellytown and another fire south of Pampa. The National Weather Service received a report that two structures have been destroyed by a grass fire near Borger.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Interstate 40 between Groom and McLean - a distance of about 30 miles - is closed in both directions because of poor visibility from the wind and the grass fire.
DPS said an unknown amount of vehicles were involved in an accident in the closed section of I-40 and that the Lifestar helicopter was sent to airlift victims to Northwest Texas Hospital.
DPS also reported another large grass fire south of U.S. 83 near the Childress and Cottle county line.
The grass fires are being fanned by fast winds with sustained speeds in the mid-30 mph range. Peak gusts have reached as fast as 55 mph. The furious winds will remain in the Panhandle into the evening, the weather service said.
According to local sheriff's dispatchers, a grass fire is burning north of Farm-to-Market 767 and west of Channing.
Municipal fire agencies from Dalhart, Hartley, Channing and Vega are all battling the blaze.
The Randall County's Sheriff also battled two blazes, one southeast of Amarillo and another one south of town.
Prayers for you and everybody else being affected by this fire. May God keep your son safe.
I'd appreciate a ping, too, when you know your son is safe.
Bowers City may be completely gone...One of the little oil camps is, but I don't know the name of it.
Sounds like you have been in that area in the past!
in == is...
Thanks for the info. My friend lives on the west side of town (Holly Lane).
Whoops... I meant East!
I saw a fire near I40 and loop 335 today. They were able to put it out before it got out of control. You can go to the NOAA Amarillo weather site and see the smoke plumes.
Stay safe.
I hope Ellie May got out of Skellytown!
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