Two firefighters injured on prescribed fire in Texas

Borger Fire Department TexasTwo firefighters suffered burn injuries March 9 while working on a prescribed fire in the panhandle of Texas and were airlifted to a hospital. The Borger Fire Department  (map) has confirmed that two of their personnel, fire fighter Clay Lozier and fire chief Bob Watson, were injured transported to Lubbock for treatment.

According to Amarillo.com:

Borger Fire Chief Bob Watson remains in serious condition Saturday at the UMC Timothy J. Harnar Burn Center in Lubbock, according to BFD Lieutenant Stacy Nolen, and Borger firefighter Clay Lozier, who was injured in the same incident, has since been released from the burn unit.

News Channel 10 reports that the prescribed fire on the JA Ranch in Donley County was going well until a juniper tree torched, causing a spot fire. The firefighters almost had that contained when a fire whirl “threw fire 30 yards in every direction”, ranch owner Andrew Bivins said.

There was a burn ban in effect in Donley County but Texas law exempts prescribed fires from burn bans.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

3 thoughts on “Two firefighters injured on prescribed fire in Texas”

  1. Chief Watson came down to the Midland fire department a couple years ago and taught a WUI class. Great guy, saftey is definitely his top priority. We wish him a speedy recovery!

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  2. Chief Watson is the real deal, he was protecting his community in the best way he could. He is a champion of wildland fire safety and this is a watch out for us all l, not an opportunity to cast stones.

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  3. Very sad and disturbing news. Time for the State of Texans to revise their regulations allowing RxBs during county burn bans. Thoughts and prayers for the firefighters burned and their families

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