A fast-moving wildfire scorched over 200 acres in Texas County, Missouri, on Thursday, prompting evacuations and causing the loss of one vehicle.

The fire began around 1:15 p.m. off Slaughter Road near BB Highway in Licking. Emergency officials stated the fire was caused by a property owner burning trash in a grassy area during high heat and dry conditions.

Texas County Emergency Response Team Director Travis Maddox said the combination of extreme heat, drought, and steep, rugged terrain made the firefighting effort one of the most punishing in years. The nine-hour battle resulted in several health issues for responders:

• Four firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion.
• Three firefighters dealt with dangerously high blood pressure.

Maddox credited drone technology with helping crews locate the active edge and head of the fire more quickly than manual scouting. Using the drone allowed commanders to direct firefighters to hot spots and minimize exposure to extreme conditions.

"Whereas with the drone, we were able to put it up in the sky and figure out very quickly where the fire line was. Where the head of that fire was, where it was moving, and direct firefighters right there. So it made a really big impact."

No bystanders were injured during the incident. Following the deployment, Maddox stated the department plans to purchase more drones to expand aerial firefighting capabilities.