Rita's turn leaves D-FW dangerously dry

[TexasStooge]

By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8

North Texans have once again been put under a high alert for brush fires after Hurricane Rita failed to deliver much needed rain to the area.

A drought index used by the Texas Forest Service put North Texas at the highest potential risk for grassfires because of maximum drought conditions. The conditions have caused 103 Texas counties - including Collin, Tarrant, Denton and Ellis - to place outdoor burning bans on residents.

Despite the bans, brush fires have thrived on their own in the dry conditions, and managed to keep several firefighters busy Monday afternoon in Frisco and Fort Worth.

While there were no homes nearby, there were 25 acres of brushy, undeveloped property to keep one brush fire feeding at Lebanon Road and Teal Parkway in Frisco. Firefighters from Frisco, Prosper and The Colony fought the blaze for about 45 minutes before getting the flames under control.

"The temperatures are remaining high," said Chief Mack Borchardt, Frisco Fire Department. "This grass is very, very dry."

Forth Worth firefighters also battled a wild brush fire earlier in the afternoon near Meachem Field.

While North Texas firefighters were hoping Hurricane Rita would bring some moisture into the soil, the rains never came. Firefighters warned that lack of rain has conditions worsening.

"...With mother nature, we've learned to take what she gives and work with it," Borchardt said. "She's still in charge, and we're not."

Firefighters also warned as dry conditions increase, so do the number of brush fires.

"If anything, it has increased the winds, which increased the potential for fire and greatly increased the potential for fire spread," Borchardt said.

With little rain in the forecast, firefighters said they are preparing for the worst.