One of the wildfires has already killed a deputy sheriff, and at least 50 homes have been destroyed.
Matt Ford, spokesperson for Texas A&M Forest Services, stated that “progress has been made” but that fire activity had picked up due to rising temperatures and lower humidity. He stated that 25% of the flames had been contained, an increase from 4% on Friday when the fire burned thick brush and grasslands.
According to the agency, the fires had destroyed 130 square miles (335 km2) of land. This area is approximately 120 miles (193 km) west of Dallas.
Ford stated that gusty winds were forecast to return Sunday, raising the wildfire risk to critical levels in central and western Texas.
Ford stated that “We expect weather severity to rise” on Sunday. “Fire activity could increase depending on weather conditions (but containment lines remain holding”), Ford said.
According to the National Weather Service, high temperatures will be in the 80s Sunday with winds between 15-20 mph and gusts of up to 30 mph (48 km/h).
Ford stated that Monday’s forecast calls for 90% rain, which Ford believes would be welcome. However, the wind could shift and cause the fire to go in a different direction.
Ford stated that “any kind of water source, rain or snow is going to help” in putting out the flames. “We will hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.”
Gov. Greg Abbott stated late Friday that at most 50 homes were destroyed by fires, with many more possible. In the 11 counties most affected by wildfires, he declared a disaster. Texas A&M Forest Services warned of the possibility of fires in parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. They also warned of the extreme fire danger in these states.
More details were released by the Eastland County Sheriff’s Office about the death of Deputy Sergeant. Barbara Fenley. The office stated that she was going door-to-door to get residents to evacuate their homes on Thursday. It was also “last heard” that she was going check on an elderly person.
“With the severe deteriorating conditions, low visibility from smoke and Sgt. According to the statement of the sheriff, Fenley fled the roadway and was caught in the fire.
Ford stated that Eastland County is home to approximately 18,000 residents and that 475 homes had been evacuated.
Ford stated that Ford had said that there were assessment teams on the ground to determine how many homes were destroyed.
Many months of dry and windy weather has fueled deadly wildfires Kansasand Oklahoma. One was even lit a few weeks back. A large wildfire in remote western Nebraska ranching country has been burning for several weeks. Meteorologists expressed optimism that the rain showers expected to fall on the Plains next week would lower the risk.
The fires created hazy conditions hundreds of kilometres away. On Friday, automated phone messages were sent by the Houston Fire Department to residents requesting that they smoke and ash.
