Wind turbine erupts into flames southwest of Abilene

August 26, 2011

Credit: By Wayne McCormick, KTXS News, www.ktxs.com

Fire Chief Gary Young said the fire started in the wind turbine tower and then spread to grass around the tower

ABILENE, Texas — Firefighters from at least three volunteer departments are on the scene of a burning wind turbine southwest of Abilene.

ECCA Fire Chief Gary Young said the fire started in the wind turbine tower and then spread to grass around the tower.

Young said firefighters are working in rough terrain trying to keep the fire from spreading to other towers in the area.

The turbine is owned by NextEra Energy and is located in the Callahan Divide wind project off of FM Road 89 about 5 miles west of Highway 277.

Crews from ECCA, Buffalo Gap and Nolan are on the scene.