Monday's Internet Edition, May 12, 2008.
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After being in the extreme fire hazard over the past few, windy weeks, the inevitable flames were started last Friday by a welder on the Morrison Carpenter ranch (old Jim Gobble ranch) south of Carta Valley.
High winds propelled the fire through the heavy cover of dry brush and grass. The fire was reported about 1 p.m. Friday and was pronounced under control on Sunday morning.
Edwards County Volunteer Fire Chief Willy Richards said about 2,200 acres burned. Their department was assisted by a Val Verde fire group. Later, the U. S. Forest Service was called in due to the extremity of the fire.
The Forest Service brought in men, helicopters and bulldozers. One bulldozer overturned during the fight to stop the fire. No one was injured.
Helicopter doused flames by dumping thousands of gallons of water.
Richards said their department answered calls on Saturday night to a fire on Jimmy Greer’s lot here in town. Again, this fire showed to be obviously set.
Another fire was reported on Hamilton Lane on Sunday. No evidence of cause was known.
Last Friday, those looking toward the east viewed a huge fire which was reported to be in Real County. It was also reported this burned around 4,500 acres.
With things just getting drier and remaining windy, we remain in an extreme fire danger zone. Remember, we’re under a burn ban. No outside fires, don’t throw cigarette butts out and workers watch your sparks.