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  • Firefighters from four fire departments assist one another during a fast-spreading wildfire Tuesday afternoon on Fuller Road, east of U.S. Highway 81, started by a lightning strike. Toni Hopper

    quick response
August 31, 2010

Storm reaction

dry season sparks wildfire season

Toni Hopper The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Lightning, strong winds and dry plains teamed up Tuesday afternoon to create a wildfire that consumed 10 acres.

Firefighters from three rural volunteer fire departments — Meridian, Oakridge and Empire, assisted Duncan Fire Department, in battling the fast moving fire, that jumped Fuller Road and appeared to be heading north toward Duncan and veering west toward U.S. Highway 81.

As the firefighters worked, numerous lightning strikes bolted from the dark, angry looking sky. Promising rain, but not delivering, the nature’s efforts tried to be the firefighter’s enemy, but in about an hour, it appeared those natural forces were no match for the firefighters.

Experience from the wildfires of 2006 seemed to hold the advantage.

Structures were in the path of the fire, but none were lost, said DFD Chief Larry Sullins, who was out of town when the fire started.

“From what I understand, they got on it and knocked it down before it got out of hand,” he said.

Also assisting in the emergency  response were Duncan Police Department officers for traffic control, and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

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