Fire crews, first responders battle wildfire at old helium plant in Moore County
Area first responders and fire crews battling a wildfire in Moore County had it under control by early Tuesday.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, as of Tuesday morning, the #HeliumFire in Moore County is at 3,264 acres and 80% contained, and crews continue to patrol the area and mop up along containment lines.
According to Potter County Fire-Rescue, the fire is at an old helium plant. PCFR also said they assisted Pantex FD with a wildfire on their property.
Traffic was impacted around US 287 south of Dumas as Moore County emergency personnel fought the large grass fire. According to the Dumas Fire Department, two coolant towers and four factory warehouses at the old plant were lost in the fire, as well as six oilfield 18-wheeler trailers and a shed/garage in Masterson.
Dumas FD was able to save more than 40 other threatened structures in the area, including 32 commercial buildings and 10 structures in Masterson. Those included homes, a church and a school.
Agencies who responded to the fire include fire crews from area ranches, Dumas, Potter County, Cactus, Channing, Fritch, Stinnett, National Park Service, TAMFS Air and Ground Resources and TIFMAS Strike Team 148, among others.
The area was experiencing critical fire danger this weekend, with above-normal temperatures, strong winds and dry vegetation.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Moore County wildfire at old helium plant 3,264 acres, 80% contained
