Large Cotton Fire Threatens Livelihood of Nolan County Farmers

ROSCOE, TX – A raging inferno is underway this morning that began around 2 a.m. at the Central Rolling Plains Co-Op and Cotton Gin, otherwise known as Roscoe Co-Op Cotton Gin, at 102 Pecan St. Roscoe, Tx. 79545.

Sweetwater Fire Department Fire Chief Grant Madden states," It began with a bur pile from the extractor, probably a bearing went out.  The material is not explosive, but is very flammable, especially in a loose pile."  In a combined effort, Sweetwater Fire Department, Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department, and Snider Volunteer Fire Department have moved what unaffected bales and modules they could and still struggle to contain the fire that is consuming cotton at the gin. 

It is expected to take at least another hour our two bring the fire down and many more for the fire to completely burn out.  So far the estimated damage is around 150 modules, $825,000 worth of cotton, however a more accurate estimate cannot be made until the fire is put out. 

Winds at over 20 mile per hour coming out of the north are not helping firefighters who are struggling to keep the fire from growing while heavy smoke makes visibility difficult as they fight the ongoing flames.