Fire burns 53 acres on West Plains

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – On Sept. 2, a wildfire erupted on Thorpe Road, quickly consuming 53 acres of land.

The fire, driven by dry conditions and winds, posed an immediate threat to nearby homes and properties, prompting swift action from local fire departments.

Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after the fire was reported, working through the day and into the night to contain the blaze. The terrain and shifting winds made containment efforts challenging, but firefighters used ground crews to create firebreaks to prevent further spreading.

As a precaution, evacuation levels were issued for residents in the immediate vicinity of the fire. These orders were aimed at ensuring the safety of those living close to the affected area, though no major structural damage was reported. The fire’s rapid spread and proximity to residential areas created an unknown situation, with residents urged to leave immediately under a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation alert.

By the end of the day, the firefighting efforts had succeeded in halting the fire’s advance, and the majority of the fire was contained. Crews remained on site to monitor the situation and extinguish any remaining hotspots, ensuring that the fire did not reignite.

The fire on Thorpe Road served as a stark reminder of the heightened wildfire risk during the dry season, with officials urging the public to remain vigilant and prepared.