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One Heck of a Day
August 11, 2006Grass fires have ravaged Texas, especially in the last two years. But Thursday I got up-close-and-personal experience of a wild fire.
The day started just like every other one. I was about to go to an interview regarding foundation repairs when I noticed a plum of smoke filling the western Wichita Falls sky.
Little did I know about 2,000 acres in Electra was burning up into the air.
I didn't really know a good direction to drive, so I just took off.
I figured when I got close enough I could just guesstimate its actual location.
Driving on 367 the smoke appeared to be getting larger and larger. Smoke from a grass fire is usually a white/gray mixture, then out of nowhere areas of black smoke (which usually signifies a structure) started to breathe the Texas air.
I wasn't sure what to expect after that. At worst someone's house was burned down. At best it could have been tractor tires.
I finally pulled up on Lazy J Road in Electra - the start of a crazy, hectic afternoon.
I get out of my truck, leave the windows rolled down, the doors unlocked and the keys in the ignition. I figured I could ask some people some questions and hop back in my truck and go back to the newspaper.
I knew finding a source would be difficult until my knight in shining armor, Lt. David Duke pulled up next to me.
I lean over his passenger window to ask him some questions, and the next thing I knew I was driving along in The Duke's (sorry, just love that nickname) SUV.
I figured, why not...I'll be back in a hour, tops. Boy was I wrong.
We started driving down Lazy J Road, and for those who don't know. The Duke is with investigations at the Wichita County Sheriff's Office. He runs reconnaissance to spot potential problems of the fire. Lee Bourgoin is the "commander" of grass fires. The both tell people where to go, how to get there and how quickly they need to get their butts in gear.
The fire was amazingly awesome. I've never seen fire run, but it was booking at about 3 yards a second.
About two hours into this thing I hear dispatch comment that the fire was picking back up in the southern area of Lazy J Road.
"HOLY CRAP THAT"S WHERE MY TRUCKS AT!!!" That was my internal monologue, but used with harsher words.
The Duke is thinking the same thing, but the road to get back to my truck is blocked off. Both by flames and the smoke, which just so happened to be thick as pea soup. (I never thought I would ever use that analogy.
At that point I just say forget it. I'm alive, he's alive. The fire at this point is about to circle around us. It’s heading north toward Byrd Road. It’s heading north, jumping Turkey Creek and towards Lazy J.
At that point I start throwing out Hail Mary's. I don’t' remember being that scared in a long time. I know The Duke is usually in those types of situations, so I figured I was in good hands.
The fire finally dies down enough -- about 4 hours later at this point -- so we can check on my truck.
And thank the Lord a sheriff's patrol officer, Ray Shults, saved my transportation life. He moved my truck out of the way of an encroaching fire.
I owe Mr. Shults more than a shot...I owe him the whole damn bottle of whisky, or tequila, or whatever that guy drinks.
Almost 6 hours later the fire is basically controlled and I drive home. My adrenaline is pumping. I feel like I just escaped death's grasp.
Thank you volunteer fire fighters. Thank you The Duke. Thank you Ray Shults. You guys are awesome.
Posted by Clayton Hein at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
