Rankin Ranch Road Fire fire burns 60 000 acres, Texas
A fast-moving Rankin Ranch Road Fire is burning in the far northeastern Texas panhandle since 14:30 local time on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Texas A&M Forest Service said Friday afternoon the fire is 50% contained.
The fire burned 40 000 acres (16 200 hectares) in Roberts County and spread to Ochiltree County just before 21:00 local time Thursday. According to the Ochiltree County Sherrif's Office, residents south of FM 291 and east of Highway 70 were evacuated.
The Hansford County Sheriff's Office closed FM 281 at the Hansford/Ochiltree county line.
As of Friday afternoon, March 24, the Rankin Ranch Road Fire has burned 60 000 acres (24 300 hectares) but the area is now receiving beneficial heavy rainfall and is 50% contained.
Thursday night, three homes were threatened. However, rainfall in the area helped containment efforts.
At least two people were injured and transported to a hospital.
Video courtesy AP
Video courtesy KFDA News Channel 10
Featured image: Rankin Ranch Road Fire, Texas – March 2017. Credit: TXA&M Forest Service
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