10-acre grass fire likely caused by hunters

A grass fire that burned about 10 acres Sunday likely was the result of hunters near Palo Duro Canyon, authorities say.

No structures burned, and no one was injured in the blaze that took 3½ hours to bring under control, said Tom Noggler, volunteer safety officer for the Canyon Fire Department.

Fire broke out on the Elkins Ranch, a mile west of the main entrance to Palo Duro Canyon, in a brushy area, with winds gusting 30 to 45 miles per hour, creating a challenge for firefighters, Noggler said.

The flames are believed to have started from shots fired by hunters on the ranch.

“That’s not uncommon, from what I understand, with the brush as dry as it is right now,” he said.

Fire engines from Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Randall County, along with 18 to 20 firefighters, fought the fire.
By Cheryl Berzanskis in The Amarillo Globe-News