Blaze in Panhandle spreads to 2 counties
JEFF B. FLINN
Managing Editor
Three Boerne firefighters are in the Panhandle as part of a task force to help battle the 8 Ball Fire, a raging 13,500acre blaze that has spread to two counties.
Boerne Fire Department Chief Manny Casarez said the Boerne Fire Department sent a brush truck with a three-man crew to help fight the fire, which at press time Friday was 70% contained.
Firefighter Johnathan Vadnais, Driver/operator Ryan Lynch and Lt. Toby Vicknair left Feb. 15 and started the next day, the chief said.
“They have been working long hard hours, hiking up to 10 miles of fire line a day,” Casarez said. “We are proud to represent Boerne as we provide aid to this much needed part of the state as we deal with these critical fire weather conditions statewide.”
Boerne firefighters typically are available for 14-day shifts, expandable to 21 days, if needed, officials said.
The fire, which began in Armstrong County, quickly spread into adjacent Donley County, threatening homes and infrastructure and prompting local evacuations, officials said. The blaze is east of Amarillo.
As of Feb. 19, the 8 Ball Fire forced the evacuation of 400 homes and threatened more than 1,100 structures. While some residents have been able to return to their residences, state and local resources are still engaged in fire suppression, containment and public safety, officials said.
Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a request from the state for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which makes Texas eligible for 75 percent reimbursement from the U.S. government for costs associated with battling the wildfire.
“Texas continues to work around the clock to provide all necessary resources to those affected by the 8 Ball Fire,” Abbott said. “With this FEMA grant, our brave wildfire response teams will be further equipped to manage and contain fires in the Panhandle.”
“They have been working long hours.”
— Boerne Fire Chief Manny Casarez
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