Firefighters from all around the Oklahoma Panhandle and some from Southwest Kansas have been battling a large grass fire in the Panhandle since early Tuesday afternoon. Originally the Turpin Fire department was dispatched, but as the winds picked up, they were joined by departments throughout the area. Firefighters from Sedgwick KS- Ochiltree and Lipscomb TX—-Woodward, Ellis, Major, Beaver, Texas, Harper counties from Oklahoma all joined in fighting this wind driven blaze. A crop duster was also assisting with air drops on the fire. Highway 83 had been closed off and on as the fire continued to rage causing smoke to reduce visibility to zero. Homes, and outbuildings have been destroyed in the path of the fire and two firefighters from Balko OK were injured and airlifted from the scene when their water tanker rolled off a 6ft embankment. They are both listed in stable condition.
On Wednesday afternoon the fires rekindled and jumped the containment lines. The Balko School had to be evacuated. Oklahoma Forestry was staged in Woodward and were called in to assist. Fire units continue on scene and as updates come in, KSCB News will monitor the situation and provide updates
