Multiple fire departments are battling a massive forest fire in Big Clifty.
The initial call went out to the East Grayson and Clarkson Fire Departments at approximately 3:15 Wednesday afternoon, with the Leitchfield Fire Department soon following suit and arriving at the fire in the 1600 block of Little Clifty Road.
The fire, as of time of publication, had burned over 100 acres of woods along what locals refer to as “Bloody Ridge.” Firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
The Kentucky Division of Forestry arrived with a bulldozer to make a fire break, but not long after arriving a hydraulic line ruptured, rendering the bulldozer immobile.
No structures are in immediate danger, although 400 gallons of propane are on a property adjacent to the fire line, as firefighters continually monitor the proximity of the fire to the propane.
Blake Schroerlucke, a Leitchfield firefighter who also serves with Grayson County Emergency Management, deployed a drone over the fire and helped guide firefighters to the multiple fire lines in the densely wooded area.
Shifting winds and increasing wind speeds as afternoon turned to evening proved to complicate firefighting efforts.
Look for a full report on the fire, including photos of drone footage, Thursday at K105.com.
UPDATE: Fire officials have revised the amount of acreage burned from over 100 acres to about 60.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
