Wildfire, Wichita
- When
- July 6, 10:00 AM CST to 2:00 PM CST
- Where
- Wichita County, Wichita Falls
- Injuries
- 2 direct, 0 indirect
- Property damage
- $40,000
- Reported by
- NEWSPAPER
- Coordinates
- 33.988, -98.704 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
A wildfire developed just outside the city limits of Wichita Falls on the east side near Harding Street, and started when a resident in the area began to burn trash in his back yard. The dry conditions and strong winds allowed the fire to spread rapidly northward up a hill toward Mesa Street. Dozens of acres of pasture burned, along with 13, old, unoccupied homes, outbuildings, sheds, and 2 vehicles. Several hours were required to gain control of the fire which received assistance from 14 volunteer fire departments. Two firefighters sufferred heat stroke and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.