MIDLAND, Texas — The Midland Fire Department responded to an explosion located on Farm-to-Market 307 just east of Fairgrounds.
According to the City of Midland, an Engine 3 fire truck was set up for a fire attack on a hot oiler when the oiler had a hose rupture. This caused fuel to roll on the ground towards Engine 3.
It was a dynamic moving fire, which forced the crew to move away from the area without the truck. The fire continued to move towards the truck and caught it on fire, as well as five to six fracking tanks.
Midland Fire Chief Blumenauer said the surrounding areas were evacuated and there were a total of 12 to 13 fracking tanks in the area.
The fire crews worked on a plan of attack and started to put it out with water as of noon. Midland Fire Chief Blumenauer said as of 2:30 p.m. the fire was out.
"Stay out of the immediate area until further notice," was the message City of Midland issued using their alert system.
At 3:15 p.m. they sent another message stating: "The Midland Fire Department has cleared the scene of the explosion, citizens may resume normal activity in the area."
No firefighters have been injured at this time, but one person was taken to Midland Memorial in critical condition. As of 2 p.m. the victim is being transported to UMC in Lubbock.
The north side of I-20 between FM 307 and SH 158 have been evacuated due to the fire. Both the I-20 north service road and FM 307 north of I-20 were closed for several hours, reopening just before 4 p.m.
Additionally, all traffic coming from Greenwood is being detoured to the south service road.
Fairgrounds Rd is closed up to FM 1379, but if possible avoid the area altogether.
