30 homes destroyed by wildfires, two towns evacuated in north Texas

30 homes destroyed by wildfires, two towns evacuated in north Texas

2011-04-16 06:07:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- The Texas Forest Service (TFS) on Friday informed that several wildfires remain out of control in north Texas, destroying 30 homes and prompting the evacuation of two towns.

Several wildfires have erupted in Texas for the last seven days. In Stephens County, 20,000 acres are on fire as firefighters continue fighting to contain it. The fire erupted west of Possum Kingdom Lake.

So far, at least 30 homes have been entirely destroyed and about 200 more are under threat. The Forest Service requested assistance from National Guard Blackhawk helicopters.

In Kent County, flames have engulfed 50,000 acres since Thursday but firefighters have controlled 25 percent of it. However, strong winds overnight spread the fire about 24.14 kilometers (15 miles) southeast.

In consequence, the entire town of Rotan was evacuated. The fire is also moving towards Roby and Hamlin but no evacuation has been ordered there. TFS task forces and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System strike teams are actively fighting this fire.

In Eastland County, a fire broke out on Friday forcing firefighters to evacuate the town of Gorman, located approximately 160.93 kilometers (100 miles) southwest of Fort Worth. One firefighter died while battling the wildfire.

The wildfires continue to spread across northern Texas due to heavy winds combined with low humidity. Texas Forest Service responded to nine fires burning 10,286 acres just on Thursday.

For the last seven days, TFS has responded to 78 fires burning 460,850 acres. More than 900 firefighters from across Texas and 33 different states have been called to help battle the blazes, which have prompted the evacuation of more than 500 homes.

The dangerous conditions are caused by two main factors: the ongoing drought and an overabundance of dead vegetation that burns easily. Last March was considered the driest month of March in recorded history.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-16