Giant fire near FM. Another 3/9.....

[powdahound76]

There is a 25,000 acre wildfire that started this morning out near FM's area. I dont know his exact location but that he is in Logan County and the fire has closed the interstate about 20 miles from town (20 miles out there is like 2 blocks in the city). Fueled by dry weather and gusts from 40-60 mph. One structure down, 10 in direct threat. Lots of evacuations including schools. Low population density helps, plus they are tough farm peoples who just get it done.

Watch yourself FM.

ETA @ 1926: started at 1130 today, now 30K acres, 3 homes lost.

 

[JMGlasgow]

Stay safe FM.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I don't wish fire on anyone..... be safe and persevere!

 

[Foul Mike]

It is big, lots of trucks and farmers working on it. It is east of me and headed toward Haxtun. High winds hampering their efforts.
Thanks for the kind thoughts. F M Around 25,000 acres burned now and no containment yet.

 

[Maggot]

Goddamnit Mike, I told you to quit eatin them jalapeños and shittin in the woods like a bear. Now look at whatcha done.

Teasing aside, stay safe, sending rain your way.

 

[powdahound76]

Is the mostly pasture or irrigated out that way? Sucks man.
Its all Al Gore's fault.
This is a huge deal to the community there, its all agriculture that depends on the land.

My house will be praying.

 

[cav has been]

Damn old Cav guy with alcohol and tracers no doubt. Keep away from them flames brother!

 

[Guest]

Best Wishes FM
Give us a report

 

[powdahound76]

News is reporting 50% containment. They are having significant winds today so who knows?
still holding at 3 structures lost, they arent confirming they are homes as they are too busy fighting the fire.

Its a bitch to sit here in my office and not be headed out there to help out.

 

[Foul Mike]

I had to go to the county commissioner's meeting this AM about a tractor mower combo. for the new Logan County Shooting Sports Complex.
The first order of business was this fire and what was going on with it. The incident commander was busier than a one legged man in an Ass kicking contest and trying to do his thing and brief the commissioners at the same time. A very busy man.
What I learned was that the fire is of questionable origin and started around the Proctor and Illiff exits on I-76 but I don't know on which side of I-76. and if it started to the North and then crossed across I-76 or was south of the Interstate and went from there.but with winds of 50-60 MPH it went fast.
In Logan Co. it was mainly in the Sandhills/brush area but expanded quickly to get into some Ag areas and went on into Phillips Co. around the Haxtun /Flemming area north of Hwy 6. The winds were and are very intense and are hampering all efforts with dirt and smoke in the air causing visibility problems.so the guys don't know which way to turn.
There are motor graders and a gang of farmers with tractors and plows cutting fire lines and some degree of containment was achieved through the night.
This morning brought on high winds around 50 to 60 MPH so that is not helping.
I know that at least 4 homes were burned and probably more but we are spread out a bit. Numerous out buildings like barns and machinery sheds were total losses and some livestock has been lost.
The situation is at best fluid and still going on and I am sure that the figure of 25,000 acres will increase.
Nothing that I have or own is in danger but I do expect to be called out to support the effort. Foul Mike

 

[Foul Mike]

Pray for rain or any other kind of moisture for us.
Because of the horrible wind they could not deploy aircraft.
We have airplanes around, Ag Sprayers, that can help with this but only a fool would go up now.
When the air gets right I would bet a few birds will be in the air and mop it up quick.

 

[Foul Mike]

Lots of Green Machines out and I think they have this about plowed under. Lots of machines of all colors all turning dirt.
Lots of hot spots still around but they now have the upper hand. Still a lot of wind but not as bad and subsiding.
Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers and kind words.
Now we will deal with blowdirt and ash. Regards, F M

 

[powdahound76]

Good to hear.
The news hasnt been updating very well.
Hopefully we get a good March snow soon to wet her down a bit.

 

[Maggot]

Now we will deal with blowdirt and ash. Regards, F M

​​​​​​​Pray for a good strong westerly and it will all migrate to Texas

 

[powdahound76]

Well, another one, closer to FM this time. So far 50-100 acres but close to the "big" town of Sterling so higher density of folks.
All one day after they completelywrangled the 32,000 acre fire.
They are investigating the cause of the 1st fire already.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Arsonists deserve to be inflicted with all the pain they create.

 

[powdahound76]

This one was 700-800 acres and out.
It is drier than a popcorn fart so any little mishap could do it.
That said, I have my suspicions.