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2011 Cooper Mountain Ranch Wildfire

Charlie Stout: 806-470-2019 charliestout@gmail.com – 4/13 Wednesday evening through 4/14 Thursday evening

Documenting the spread of the fire from the Cooper Mountain Ranch eastward from near Highway 208 to Highway 70

Smoke rises as the sun sets behind the Cooper Mountain Ranch.
Emergency responders drive down a dirt road in the direction of the blaze
Cooper Mountain is visible behind several miles of flame.
Wildfire burns beyond the rim of a canyon east of Cooper Mountain

Glowing embers remain after crews extinguish a large portion of the blaze.
The next day, heavy winds and uncontrolled fires prompt an elevated presence of public safety officials on private land.
Note the pickup truck in the lower right corner of this photo.
Volunteer fire crews arrive from neighboring towns to fight the rapidly spreading blaze.

Kent County officials move ahead of the blaze, warning residents and ensuring safety.
National Forest Service workers build a firebreak in attempt to save a home.
National Forest Service officials discuss the rapidly escalating situation.
Thousands of acres of grassland are soon to add large amounts of fuel to the fire.

A volunteer firefighter prepares to protect a residence threatened by the wall of fire.
The power company consults with a landowner to ensure fast replacement of burned poles and downed lines.
The blaze increases intensity as high winds drive it through fields of dry grass.
After taking all possible precautions to save his family and livestock, a rancher takes a last look at his home before leaving the scene.

High winds create a dust storm that combines with the oncoming wall of smoke.
A cattle rancher moves his last load of horses off the property.
A rancher stands on his horse trailer and communicates with his son, who has already evacuated to the nearest town.
Shifting winds cause the perimeter of the wildire to grow from north to south.

One section of the wildfire reaches an area without significant ground vegetation, making it possible to move in for closer photographs.
This historic wagon, protected by a patch of dirt without much grass, survived the fire.
A firefighting helicopter passes directly overhead as the pilot seeks out an open tank of water.
Cattle are seen walking a fenceline in the lower right.  They would escape so safety onto the highway through an open gate.

Emergency responders without breathing apparatus leave the scene as the fire crosses the highway.
A helicopter carrying water from a nearby tank prepares to drop on a residence.
A local firefighter takes a moment to rest atop his truck before returning to the front line.
Volunteer firefighters assist a rancher in breaking through a locked gate to provide escape for trapped cattle.

Blowing dust and smoke create a red sky along Highway 70
The Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River, moments before flames engulf both banks.
Thousands of miles of fence will be destroyed as wooden fenceposts provide little resistance to fire.
As the sun sets through a choking cloud of dust and smoke, an order is given to evacuate the town that provided temporary refuge to those displaced by the blaze.  Sleep will not come easy tonight.


 

“Even with wildfire season off to a relentless start, the Lone Star State spirit shines on. Through the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, or STAR Fund, Texans can help Texans rebuild their lives. The fund was created to collect monetary contributions from private individuals and entities to assist farmers and ranchers in responding to and recovering from an emergency. The STAR Fund may be used to rebuild fences, restore operations, and to pay for other agricultural disaster relief.” – Please visit the STAR website to learn more.

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