Update 3:59 p.m. – Lt. Ronnie Bobo said that the fire started after a truck that was carrying wood released embers on Todd Bridge Road. The fire stretched out along 2 miles of the road.
According to Bobo, Daviess County Fire Department responded along with Owensboro and three volunteer fire departments.
Bobo said when he arrived on scene, 4 homes were in danger; however, crews contained the fire.
He said it took 2 hours to mitigate the fires properly with help from local farmers.
“There were half a dozen tractors that were out there working with us. If they weren’t there and they hadn’t helped, we would still be out there,” Bobo said.
Original story:
First responders and other personnel are battling a large fire that has broken out near Waymond Morris Park on the south side of Owensboro, according to preliminary information being given to the Owensboro-Daviess County dispatchers. The area is currently under a Red Flag Warning, meaning critical fire weather conditions are occurring.
Todd Bridge Road has been closed, as has Martin Luther King Jr. Loop from Frederica Street to Southtown Boulevard.
Billowing smoke can be seen from across town, and dispatch information indicates structures may be in danger.
According to preliminary information relayed through dispatch, Daviess County Fire Department is fighting the fire in the field while Owensboro Fire Department is working to protect the structures, and farmers have been requested to come create a break in the line.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when there is a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures, which combined can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
