Wildfire Races Through Andrews County

            The Frying Pan Ranch fire broke out around 12:30 PM Thursday near the intersection TX 176 and SW 100, which is about 10 miles east of the New Mexico-Texas line. The fire has been burning near the Waste Control Specialists disposal site. That site is north of TX 176.

            Strong west winds pushed the blaze eastward toward Andrews Thursday afternoon. The W.C.S. site was not in the path of the flames, and it was not in danger.

            Strong west winds also pushed smoke from the blaze across Andrews County Thursday afternoon. The smoke was visible across the county.

            The fire crossed F.M. 181, about 12 miles from Andrews. No evacuations were ordered in Andrews, but F.M. 181 was closed between TX 176 and TX 115. That road was later re-opened, but TX 115 was closed between F.M. 181 and TX 128.

            The fire was heading straight for Andrews Thursday evening, but shifting winds have pushed the blaze to the south.

            The Texas Forest Service sent tractor plows to the blaze to build fire lines, but fire crews have had trouble getting to the flames because of the sandy terrain. At least one tractor plow got stuck in the sand, although the driver of that tanker got out safely.