Texas wildfires torch 1,000 homes

Gerald · 09-07-11, 07:16 AM

Texas Gov Rick Perry said it was "a very critical situation"

Dozens of wildfires raging in rain-starved Texas are now reported to have engulfed more than 1,000 homes.

The biggest of the blazes - 16 miles (26km) wide - in rural Bastrop County, is burning out of control for a third day, having destroyed 600 homes.

Two people were reported to have died in the Bastrop blaze, a local sheriff said, amid hopes for calmer winds to help control the fires.

Texas has been suffering its worst drought since the 1950s.

Schools closed

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Texas Governor Rick Perry said more than 100,000 acres (40,470ha) had been scorched by at least 57 wildfires in Texas over the past week.

More than 1,000 homes had been burned over the past week, added Texas emergency management chief Nim Kidd.

On Monday, officials said about 500 homes had been destroyed.

Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said two people had died in the Bastrop fire, in addition to two people who died in east Texas on Sunday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14809156

Note: 7 September 2011 Last updated at 01:05 GMT

09-07-11, 07:16 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Texas wildfires torch 1,000 homes Texas Gov Rick Perry said it was "a very critical situation" Dozens of wildfires raging in rain-starved Texas are now reported to have engulfed more than 1,000 homes. The biggest of the blazes - 16 miles (26km) wide - in rural Bastrop County, is burning out of control for a third day, having destroyed 600 homes. Two people were reported to have died in the Bastrop blaze, a local sheriff said, amid hopes for calmer winds to help control the fires. Texas has been suffering its worst drought since the 1950s. Schools closed Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Texas Governor Rick Perry said more than 100,000 acres (40,470ha) had been scorched by at least 57 wildfires in Texas over the past week. More than 1,000 homes had been burned over the past week, added Texas emergency management chief Nim Kidd. On Monday, officials said about 500 homes had been destroyed. Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering said two people had died in the Bastrop fire, in addition to two people who died in east Texas on Sunday. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14809156 Note: 7 September 2011 Last updated at 01:05 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie