By PAUL MEYER / The Dallas Morning News
High winds, exploding transformers and parched earth sparked fires across the region Sunday, scorching more than a thousand acres as local fire departments scrambled to contain the blazes.
Small grassfires ignited in Dallas, Southlake, Frisco, Flower Mound and The Colony. More than 1,000 acres more were left smoldering across unincorporated Collin, Tarrant, Johnson and Parker counties. Many of the fires, officials said, began when wind gusts downed power lines and caused transformers to blow.
In Johnson County, a grass fire burned at least 1,000 acres stretching from west of Cleburne to the Tarrant County line, damaging 24 structures in its path.
About 31 trucks were dispatched from eight different departments including Crowley, Burleson, Everman and Mansfield.
One person was injured in Johnson County, but officials said they didn’t know the extent of the injuries.
In downtown Fort Worth, the wind took a different kind of toll.
There, the winds toppled the city's 65-foot holiday tree, wresting it from its bolted, metal base. The tree, which had been held up by support cables, snapped the top off of a smaller tree and struck several cars as it fell, but nobody was injured.
As the tree lay on its side in Sundance Square on Sunday night, surprised onlookers pulled out cameras and picture phones as workers cleaned up and prepared to hoist the tree again this morning.
The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts registered 51 miles per hour at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Still higher readings were reported in Denton County.
The wind was expected to die down overnight Sunday. The dry conditions, however, will remain.
“We’re going to have these fire conditions for a while, but the problem with fires today was high winds and low humidity,” said Ted Ryan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
No significant rain is expected in the short-term forecast, Mr. Ryan said.
In Frisco, a small fire briefly threatened a residential subdivision. Residents fought the blaze with rakes and garden hoses until fire fighters arrived.
“I’m not a weatherman. I just know that it’s dry, and with the wind blowing like it is, it increases the fire risk,” said Paul Siebert, deputy chief of Frisco's fire department.
“That’s what we’ve really got to pay attention to.”
In Southlake, a downed transformer caused a fire near that city’s downtown. No major damage was reported. Denton County officials responded to 30 calls of fires, said Tom Reedy, public information officer for the county. Most of the fires were caused by downed power lines and transformers that shorted out.
Blazes were reported in Argyle, Little Elm and Pilot Point. Mr.Reedy said no injuries or structural damage was reported. In Weatherford, fire officials helped on one of many grassfires that struck Parker County. There, hundreds of acres of heavy brush burned. A man in a nearby home suffered a heart attack and was transported to a hospital, said Bob Hopkins, a Weatherford fire inspector.
Staff Writers Jon Nielsen and Jake Batsell contributed to this report.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Extreme Wildfire Danger / Drought
Moderator: S2k Moderators
Forum rules
The posts in this forum are NOT official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution or STORM2K.
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Extreme Wildfire Danger / Drought
Last edited by TexasStooge on Tue Jan 17, 2006 5:14 pm, edited 4 times in total.
0 likes
-
SamSagnella
- Category 2
- Posts: 630
- Age: 38
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:02 pm
- Location: Westport, CT
- Contact:
There were several fires in and around the OKC metro area today as well, one of which had an entire town "nearly surrounded" forcing residents of Velma to evacuate into the town center. Crazy.
http://www.newsok.com
http://www.newsok.com
0 likes
-
wxmann_91
- Category 5
- Posts: 8013
- Age: 34
- Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 2:49 pm
- Location: Southern California
- Contact:
Tornado outbreak Arkansas, Missouri, and easter Kansas.
Blizzard Colorado, Nebraska, and Dakotas.
Dust storm Oklahoma, Texas, and western Kansas.
What a crazy storm.
Models prog this baby to bomb out to 979 mb in Indiana tomorrow, continuing blizzard in northern plains and another tornado outbreak tomorrow, in portions of Alabama and Georgia.
Blizzard Colorado, Nebraska, and Dakotas.
Dust storm Oklahoma, Texas, and western Kansas.
What a crazy storm.
Models prog this baby to bomb out to 979 mb in Indiana tomorrow, continuing blizzard in northern plains and another tornado outbreak tomorrow, in portions of Alabama and Georgia.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Heavy winds fuel fires across North Texas
From WFAA ABC 8 Staff Reporters
Grass fires fueled by strong winds Sunday were reported in Denton, Johnson, Montague, Parker, Tarrant and Wise Counties and resulted in some property loss and extensive damage.
In some communities, the fires showed no signs of dying down around 10:00 p.m.
About two miles from the Tarrant and Parker County line, authorities warned residents to pack their belongings and be prepared to leave if necessary late Sunday night.
Firefighters fought the flames for hours, but the fire continued to blaze late into the night. Heavy winds made it hard for firefighters to predict the path of the grass fires.
"It's kind of like stepping on a water balloon and, you know, you step on it at this end and it goes to this end," said Bill Wayburn, Dalworthington Gardens Pub Safety. "So, it has been back and forth all night long where we think we had it out and we thought we had it under control, and then all the sudden it flares back up and in a different area."
Tarrant County resident Mike Cage watched the fires Sunday, which were burning less than a mile from his front yard.
"This is a biggin'," Cage said. "This is pretty rough."
The grass fire began early in the afternoon at Interstate 30 and quickly spread.
In Denton County, firefighters responded to more than 30 different calls.
One large fire consumed a number of structures in an area where the city of Argyle and Denton met. While in that area, there were no homes consumed, there were some residents that experienced a close call.
"Well I was thinking that the house actually caught fire, but when we got here, it was actually around the house," said Juanita Ramirez, Denton resident. "Just the barn [caught fire]...I was very glad and thanking God."
Firefighters also fought various safety hazzards while struggling with the fires
"...There was already about 20 acres burning, and it quickly grew to about 50 acres," said Chief Mack Hohenberger. "And we have a gas well on this property, which added another hazard."
Rebecca Rodriguez and Brad Hawkins contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
A fire in Denton County consumed many structures.
WFAA ABC 8
At least six North Texas counties experienced grass fires.
From WFAA ABC 8 Staff Reporters
Grass fires fueled by strong winds Sunday were reported in Denton, Johnson, Montague, Parker, Tarrant and Wise Counties and resulted in some property loss and extensive damage.
In some communities, the fires showed no signs of dying down around 10:00 p.m.
About two miles from the Tarrant and Parker County line, authorities warned residents to pack their belongings and be prepared to leave if necessary late Sunday night.
Firefighters fought the flames for hours, but the fire continued to blaze late into the night. Heavy winds made it hard for firefighters to predict the path of the grass fires.
"It's kind of like stepping on a water balloon and, you know, you step on it at this end and it goes to this end," said Bill Wayburn, Dalworthington Gardens Pub Safety. "So, it has been back and forth all night long where we think we had it out and we thought we had it under control, and then all the sudden it flares back up and in a different area."
Tarrant County resident Mike Cage watched the fires Sunday, which were burning less than a mile from his front yard.
"This is a biggin'," Cage said. "This is pretty rough."
The grass fire began early in the afternoon at Interstate 30 and quickly spread.
In Denton County, firefighters responded to more than 30 different calls.
One large fire consumed a number of structures in an area where the city of Argyle and Denton met. While in that area, there were no homes consumed, there were some residents that experienced a close call.
"Well I was thinking that the house actually caught fire, but when we got here, it was actually around the house," said Juanita Ramirez, Denton resident. "Just the barn [caught fire]...I was very glad and thanking God."
Firefighters also fought various safety hazzards while struggling with the fires
"...There was already about 20 acres burning, and it quickly grew to about 50 acres," said Chief Mack Hohenberger. "And we have a gas well on this property, which added another hazard."
Rebecca Rodriguez and Brad Hawkins contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
A fire in Denton County consumed many structures.
WFAA ABC 8
At least six North Texas counties experienced grass fires.
0 likes
-
wx247
- S2K Supporter
- Posts: 14279
- Age: 41
- Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2003 10:35 pm
- Location: Monett, Missouri
- Contact:
0 likes
Personal Forecast Disclaimer:
The posts in this forum are NOT official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution or storm2k.org. For official information, please refer to the NHC and NWS products.
The posts in this forum are NOT official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution or storm2k.org. For official information, please refer to the NHC and NWS products.
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
North Texas battles grass fires
From WFAA ABC 8 Staff Reporters
Brush fires fueled by high winds destroyed thousands of acres in North Texas on Monday.
Firefighters are monitoring grass fires in Denton County, next to the Copper Canyon Road, near Argyle.
In Parker County, a blaze burned 700 acres before the flames were put out.
Seven homes were destroyed in Johnson County, six in Montague, according to reports.
A three-alarm fire caused heavy damage to a large two-story home in a historic Old East Dallas.
Around 11 a.m., a Dallas police officer requested fire personnel after noticing flames while driving by the house, located on North Peak Street just south of Worth Street.
Over 60 firefighters were involved in fighting the blaze, which was complicated by downed power lines near the home.
The Texas Forest Service has responded to 61 fires in North Texas in the last four days which have destroyed an estimated 1,700 acres.
From WFAA ABC 8 Staff Reporters
Brush fires fueled by high winds destroyed thousands of acres in North Texas on Monday.
Firefighters are monitoring grass fires in Denton County, next to the Copper Canyon Road, near Argyle.
In Parker County, a blaze burned 700 acres before the flames were put out.
Seven homes were destroyed in Johnson County, six in Montague, according to reports.
A three-alarm fire caused heavy damage to a large two-story home in a historic Old East Dallas.
Around 11 a.m., a Dallas police officer requested fire personnel after noticing flames while driving by the house, located on North Peak Street just south of Worth Street.
Over 60 firefighters were involved in fighting the blaze, which was complicated by downed power lines near the home.
The Texas Forest Service has responded to 61 fires in North Texas in the last four days which have destroyed an estimated 1,700 acres.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Some North Texas firefighters battling fatigue
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
While grass fires have been popping up everywhere, some volunteer departments are beginning to feel the stress.
In Hood County, the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department has one of the largest groups with 30 volunteers. The area covers about 300 square miles in parts of four counties.
"We had 10 calls yesterday, majority wildfires, and we were going in every direction," said Norm Tindell, a Cresson volunteer firefighter.
The wind-whipped flames tested the stamina of firefighters.
However, with new neighborhoods popping up on rural land it wasn't just grass they were trying to save.
"...Now we have homes, animals, barns," Tindell said of the various elements of battling the grass fires.
But when the flames were eventually put out in one area, the work wasn't over.
Back at the station, firefighters got ready for the next run by refueling, refilling tankers and maintaining trucks.
"I'm real tired," Tindell said. "I didn't get home from the hospital until about 2:00 this morning,"
Sometime during the long days and nights, many of the volunteers find time to go off to a paying job. In Cresson, they work as store managers, sales representatives and security guards.
Many of the firefighter will only find rest if the grass fires halt for the night.
The constant battles have had the rural firefighters comparing the dry season to 1995 when a fall drought turned into a major wildfire season.
"Everyone is wishing for rain strongly because this is the type of fire season that comes along every 10 years," Tindell said.
While at some points the firefighters have been up 24 hours, it is not for the pay. Instead, many said they endure the fatigue for the love of the job and helping others.
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
While grass fires have been popping up everywhere, some volunteer departments are beginning to feel the stress.
In Hood County, the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department has one of the largest groups with 30 volunteers. The area covers about 300 square miles in parts of four counties.
"We had 10 calls yesterday, majority wildfires, and we were going in every direction," said Norm Tindell, a Cresson volunteer firefighter.
The wind-whipped flames tested the stamina of firefighters.
However, with new neighborhoods popping up on rural land it wasn't just grass they were trying to save.
"...Now we have homes, animals, barns," Tindell said of the various elements of battling the grass fires.
But when the flames were eventually put out in one area, the work wasn't over.
Back at the station, firefighters got ready for the next run by refueling, refilling tankers and maintaining trucks.
"I'm real tired," Tindell said. "I didn't get home from the hospital until about 2:00 this morning,"
Sometime during the long days and nights, many of the volunteers find time to go off to a paying job. In Cresson, they work as store managers, sales representatives and security guards.
Many of the firefighter will only find rest if the grass fires halt for the night.
The constant battles have had the rural firefighters comparing the dry season to 1995 when a fall drought turned into a major wildfire season.
"Everyone is wishing for rain strongly because this is the type of fire season that comes along every 10 years," Tindell said.
While at some points the firefighters have been up 24 hours, it is not for the pay. Instead, many said they endure the fatigue for the love of the job and helping others.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Fire officials enforce burn ban
By BRAD WATSON / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas County fire marshal Bob Grant is on the road in unincorporated areas of the county looking for grassfires.
"We want to make sure everyone knows about the burn ban. There's no ground burning for the next 90 days because of the dry spell that we're having," he said.
He is trying to spread word of the burn ban with the hope that grassfires won't spread.
"This is a lot more severe than the burn ban that we instituted in July. Of course, dry conditions were then but everything has just gotten so much drier," Mr. Grant added.
The destructive combination of drought, dry air and winds let fires rip across seven North Texas counties over the weekend. The fires consumed some rural buildings and thousands of acres.
Johnny Chambers lives in the Sandbranch community and didn't wait for the burn ban. He says he's been very careful to burn household trash, as the law allows, since there's no garbage pickup out here. Under the ban, he can only burn in 55 gallon drums with a heavy metal screen over the top.
"If the wind is high we don't burn anything in it," he says.
"When it goes down, I put a little more. I don't just stuff and walk in the house and go somewhere and leave it. I watches it."
Mr. Chambers hopes his neighbors are as careful - there are no fire hydrants out here.
By BRAD WATSON / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas County fire marshal Bob Grant is on the road in unincorporated areas of the county looking for grassfires.
"We want to make sure everyone knows about the burn ban. There's no ground burning for the next 90 days because of the dry spell that we're having," he said.
He is trying to spread word of the burn ban with the hope that grassfires won't spread.
"This is a lot more severe than the burn ban that we instituted in July. Of course, dry conditions were then but everything has just gotten so much drier," Mr. Grant added.
The destructive combination of drought, dry air and winds let fires rip across seven North Texas counties over the weekend. The fires consumed some rural buildings and thousands of acres.
Johnny Chambers lives in the Sandbranch community and didn't wait for the burn ban. He says he's been very careful to burn household trash, as the law allows, since there's no garbage pickup out here. Under the ban, he can only burn in 55 gallon drums with a heavy metal screen over the top.
"If the wind is high we don't burn anything in it," he says.
"When it goes down, I put a little more. I don't just stuff and walk in the house and go somewhere and leave it. I watches it."
Mr. Chambers hopes his neighbors are as careful - there are no fire hydrants out here.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Gov. Perry orders wildfire response
AUSTIN, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - After wildfires scorched more than 17,000 acres in Texas over the past 10 days, Gov. Rick Perry asked state emergency management officials Friday to launch a larger effort to combat the blazes.
Perry has directed the Governor's Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Forest Service to coordinate fire suppression activities, including a larger deployment of firefighters, airpower and equipment to affected areas.
The latest deployment involves four Texas Army National Guard helicopters, 129 personnel from the Texas Forest Service and heavy equipment from the Texas Department of Transportation. The governor also has asked the U.S. Forest Service for the use of two fixed-wing aircraft, two helicopters and two single-engine air tankers.
"I urge all Texans to use extreme care in outdoor activities, to be aware of burn bans in their counties, and to take precautions to protect their homes and property," Perry said in a statement. "Texans living in rural communities or in suburbs bordering rural areas should remain alert to the threat of wildfires."
Forest Service and local firefighters have responded to 74 fires since Nov. 23. Wildfires currently are burning in Eastland, Montague, Parker, Wichita, Wilbarger and Wise counties.
Last week, more than 1,000 acres in Johnson County were consumed in a single blaze that stretched from west of Cleburne to the Tarrant County line and damaged 24 structures. Other fires raged across parts of Collin, Denton, Parker, Tarrant, Wise and Montague counties, destroying at least six homes and threatening several subdivisions.
Persistent drought conditions since spring, as well as high winds, warm temperatures and unseasonably dry weather over the past few months, have left many counties in North Texas vulnerable to fire.
Burn bans outlawing all outdoor burning have been instituted in 120 counties statewide.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
DARON DEAN / Dallas Morning News
A brush fire cut across land in southwestern Tarrant County on Sunday evening.
AUSTIN, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - After wildfires scorched more than 17,000 acres in Texas over the past 10 days, Gov. Rick Perry asked state emergency management officials Friday to launch a larger effort to combat the blazes.
Perry has directed the Governor's Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Forest Service to coordinate fire suppression activities, including a larger deployment of firefighters, airpower and equipment to affected areas.
The latest deployment involves four Texas Army National Guard helicopters, 129 personnel from the Texas Forest Service and heavy equipment from the Texas Department of Transportation. The governor also has asked the U.S. Forest Service for the use of two fixed-wing aircraft, two helicopters and two single-engine air tankers.
"I urge all Texans to use extreme care in outdoor activities, to be aware of burn bans in their counties, and to take precautions to protect their homes and property," Perry said in a statement. "Texans living in rural communities or in suburbs bordering rural areas should remain alert to the threat of wildfires."
Forest Service and local firefighters have responded to 74 fires since Nov. 23. Wildfires currently are burning in Eastland, Montague, Parker, Wichita, Wilbarger and Wise counties.
Last week, more than 1,000 acres in Johnson County were consumed in a single blaze that stretched from west of Cleburne to the Tarrant County line and damaged 24 structures. Other fires raged across parts of Collin, Denton, Parker, Tarrant, Wise and Montague counties, destroying at least six homes and threatening several subdivisions.
Persistent drought conditions since spring, as well as high winds, warm temperatures and unseasonably dry weather over the past few months, have left many counties in North Texas vulnerable to fire.
Burn bans outlawing all outdoor burning have been instituted in 120 counties statewide.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
DARON DEAN / Dallas Morning News
A brush fire cut across land in southwestern Tarrant County on Sunday evening.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Wildfires threaten Wise Co. homes
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
WISE COUNTY, Texas — Wildfires raged in parts of North Texas for the second straight weekend, driven by dry, windy conditions.
In Wise County, a spark from a welder's torch may have caused a grass fire that burned more than 4,000 acres, damaging four structures and threatening dozens of homes.
Officials said the fire was brought under control by 6 p.m. Saturday.
Strong southwest winds pushed the fire line across acres of pasture land and rough terrain in the southern part of the county near FM 920 and County Road 3655, with flames shooting high and spreading wide.
"It's so dry right now, any spark is going to start a fire," said Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver.
The forest service and firefighters from four counties moved in to put out the multiple wildfires threatening to engulf some 30 homes in its path.
The Wise County Sheriff's Department blocked all roads leading to the fires. Residents began evacuating Saturday morning, but some refused to leave so they could help save their homes from the approaching fire.
Lori Hannah kept in touch with her husband by cell phone. He was asssisting the fire crews nearby.
"At one point, it was just splotches on our yard, and by then you realized it was out of control," she said.
Katie McFarland escaped with her pet chihuahua and five horses. She feared the fire would consume her home.
"I'm very concerned, but—you know—we're all here, and we're alive," she said. "As long as it doesn't burn the rest of the animals."
A number of animals were threatened as they tried to outrun the flames.
By afternoon, two heavy air tankers made passes over the grass fire; one dropped fire retardant on the flames; the other dumped 2,000 pounds of water.
"Our hardwoods, our live oaks... everything is torching, so nothing is holding the fire anymore," Weaver said.
But the hard work paid off as nightfall approached and the fire's spread was halted.
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
WISE COUNTY, Texas — Wildfires raged in parts of North Texas for the second straight weekend, driven by dry, windy conditions.
In Wise County, a spark from a welder's torch may have caused a grass fire that burned more than 4,000 acres, damaging four structures and threatening dozens of homes.
Officials said the fire was brought under control by 6 p.m. Saturday.
Strong southwest winds pushed the fire line across acres of pasture land and rough terrain in the southern part of the county near FM 920 and County Road 3655, with flames shooting high and spreading wide.
"It's so dry right now, any spark is going to start a fire," said Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver.
The forest service and firefighters from four counties moved in to put out the multiple wildfires threatening to engulf some 30 homes in its path.
The Wise County Sheriff's Department blocked all roads leading to the fires. Residents began evacuating Saturday morning, but some refused to leave so they could help save their homes from the approaching fire.
Lori Hannah kept in touch with her husband by cell phone. He was asssisting the fire crews nearby.
"At one point, it was just splotches on our yard, and by then you realized it was out of control," she said.
Katie McFarland escaped with her pet chihuahua and five horses. She feared the fire would consume her home.
"I'm very concerned, but—you know—we're all here, and we're alive," she said. "As long as it doesn't burn the rest of the animals."
A number of animals were threatened as they tried to outrun the flames.
By afternoon, two heavy air tankers made passes over the grass fire; one dropped fire retardant on the flames; the other dumped 2,000 pounds of water.
"Our hardwoods, our live oaks... everything is torching, so nothing is holding the fire anymore," Weaver said.
But the hard work paid off as nightfall approached and the fire's spread was halted.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Wise County wildfire contained
Thousands of acres devoured; crews from 20 agencies battle blaze
By TY A. ALLISON / The Dallas Morning News
WISE COUNTY, Texas - A small fire that began Saturday morning in west-southwest Wise County quickly grew to 5,000 acres, drawing equipment from about 20 fire departments, companies and state agencies.
The fire began on 10 acres of farmland at FM920 and County Road 3655 in the Boonsville area, according to Wise County officials.
Crews were still on the scene into the early evening, but the fire was under control at 6 p.m.
A Boonsville firefighter broke his wrist fighting the blaze.
The cause of the fire is unknown. Four outbuildings were destroyed.
Residents were evacuated because of concerns the fire would spread, said Sgt. Debbie Denney of the Wise County sheriff's office.
Smoke was visible for miles, and there was an early report that it might have disrupted traffic at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, but airport spokesman David Magaña said it caused no problems.
The National Weather Service issued a red-flag warning, meaning high chances of fire, for Wise County at 4 a.m. Saturday.
There has been no significant rain since October, said meteorologist Steve Fano with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. The official high Saturday in Wise County was 81; the low was 55.
The forecast for today is partly cloudy and much cooler, with highs in the upper 40s and north winds 5 to 15 mph.
"The spread of wildfires won't be as likely, but that's not to say people should throw cigarettes out of their car," Mr. Fano said.
Thousands of acres devoured; crews from 20 agencies battle blaze
By TY A. ALLISON / The Dallas Morning News
WISE COUNTY, Texas - A small fire that began Saturday morning in west-southwest Wise County quickly grew to 5,000 acres, drawing equipment from about 20 fire departments, companies and state agencies.
The fire began on 10 acres of farmland at FM920 and County Road 3655 in the Boonsville area, according to Wise County officials.
Crews were still on the scene into the early evening, but the fire was under control at 6 p.m.
A Boonsville firefighter broke his wrist fighting the blaze.
The cause of the fire is unknown. Four outbuildings were destroyed.
Residents were evacuated because of concerns the fire would spread, said Sgt. Debbie Denney of the Wise County sheriff's office.
Smoke was visible for miles, and there was an early report that it might have disrupted traffic at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, but airport spokesman David Magaña said it caused no problems.
The National Weather Service issued a red-flag warning, meaning high chances of fire, for Wise County at 4 a.m. Saturday.
There has been no significant rain since October, said meteorologist Steve Fano with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. The official high Saturday in Wise County was 81; the low was 55.
The forecast for today is partly cloudy and much cooler, with highs in the upper 40s and north winds 5 to 15 mph.
"The spread of wildfires won't be as likely, but that's not to say people should throw cigarettes out of their car," Mr. Fano said.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Breaking News
ELLIS COUNTY, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A large range fire is burning in northern Ellis County, and smoke can be seen for miles around. Flames are moving along a half-mile front in a rural area, consuming grass and dry brush in its path. Some flames are leaping 10 feet in the air. Officials said no homes are immediately threatened by the fire.
ELLIS COUNTY, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A large range fire is burning in northern Ellis County, and smoke can be seen for miles around. Flames are moving along a half-mile front in a rural area, consuming grass and dry brush in its path. Some flames are leaping 10 feet in the air. Officials said no homes are immediately threatened by the fire.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Fire destroys 3 homes in Wise County
NEWARK, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - A fire destroyed three homes and damaged several buildings just north of Eagle Mountain Lake near the town of Newark.
Flames fanned by strong winds and dry brush spread quickly across the Wise County countryside and wiped out everything in its path.
A Texas Forest Service helicopter dipped its bucket in pond water in an effort to douse the fire late Monday afternoon.
The dry weather continues to ripen conditions for grass fires.
Arlington firefighters fought a series of five small fires ignited along the south side of Interstate 30 that were put out quickly. However, the fires did force the closure of the freeway and a major traffic back-up.
Collin County firefighters also stayed busy Monday battling six grassfires, including one in Princeton that left two people injured. A 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and a 25-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.
"The main thing is its just a barn," said Paul Perales, Princeton firefighter. "That over there is a house [that] someone lives in, so we saved that first."
It was the Princeton firefighters second brush fire in a matter of hours.
"That's why we're out here so long," said Jamie Arnold, Princeton firefighter. "If we don't do a real thorough mop-up, it could flash back up in a heartbeat."
However, it wasn't long after that they received another call for a fire. As they finished putting out the flames, a fire broke out dangerously close to a mobile home park.
"It could have got very serious here, very serious," said Steve Deffibaugh, Collin County Fire Marshall. "It doesn't take much for this grass as dry as it is to spread."
Collin was one of several counties in North Texas that banned outdoor burning in June.
Deffibaugh said it would take ten inches of rain to eliminate the fire danger from the drought. And with a red flag warning for Tuesday, firefighters said they are nervous.
"I'm dreading it to be honest with you," Arnold said. "if we don't get some rain, we've got these conditions [and] it's gonna be a nightmare."
Steve Stoler contributed to this report.
NEWARK, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - A fire destroyed three homes and damaged several buildings just north of Eagle Mountain Lake near the town of Newark.
Flames fanned by strong winds and dry brush spread quickly across the Wise County countryside and wiped out everything in its path.
A Texas Forest Service helicopter dipped its bucket in pond water in an effort to douse the fire late Monday afternoon.
The dry weather continues to ripen conditions for grass fires.
Arlington firefighters fought a series of five small fires ignited along the south side of Interstate 30 that were put out quickly. However, the fires did force the closure of the freeway and a major traffic back-up.
Collin County firefighters also stayed busy Monday battling six grassfires, including one in Princeton that left two people injured. A 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and a 25-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.
"The main thing is its just a barn," said Paul Perales, Princeton firefighter. "That over there is a house [that] someone lives in, so we saved that first."
It was the Princeton firefighters second brush fire in a matter of hours.
"That's why we're out here so long," said Jamie Arnold, Princeton firefighter. "If we don't do a real thorough mop-up, it could flash back up in a heartbeat."
However, it wasn't long after that they received another call for a fire. As they finished putting out the flames, a fire broke out dangerously close to a mobile home park.
"It could have got very serious here, very serious," said Steve Deffibaugh, Collin County Fire Marshall. "It doesn't take much for this grass as dry as it is to spread."
Collin was one of several counties in North Texas that banned outdoor burning in June.
Deffibaugh said it would take ten inches of rain to eliminate the fire danger from the drought. And with a red flag warning for Tuesday, firefighters said they are nervous.
"I'm dreading it to be honest with you," Arnold said. "if we don't get some rain, we've got these conditions [and] it's gonna be a nightmare."
Steve Stoler contributed to this report.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Wildfire threat continues in North Texas
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
All of North Texas was under a Red Flag Warning Tuesday as unseasonably high temperatures combined with low humidity and gusty winds to create conditions ripe for explosive wildfires.
Outdoor burning bans were in effect for counties throughout the region. The National Weather Service warned that open flames, burning trash, a discarded cigarette—even the heat from a vehicle's exhaust system in tall grass—could spark a fire.
The mercury reached 81 degrees on Monday, shattering the previous Dec. 26 record by 5 degrees.
"It doesn't take much to ignite a grass fire," said WFAA-TV (Channel 8) meteorologist Greg Fields, who forecast Tuesday's afternoon temperature to approach 80 degrees. "Our record high is 81, so we're going to be in the neighborhood again today," he said. "We are looking at very windy and dry conditions across North Texas"
Firefighters were still busy dousing hot spots from wildfires that burned Monday in Collin and Wise counties.
A fire destroyed three homes and damaged several buildings just north of Eagle Mountain Lake near the town of Newark in Wise County.
Collin County firefighters also stayed busy Monday battling six grass fires, including one in Princeton that left two people injured. A 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and a 25-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.
Princeton firefighter Jamie Arnold wasn't looking forward to another warm, dry and windy day on Tuesday. "I'm dreading it, to be honest with you," he said. "If we don't get some rain and get these conditions better, it's going to be a nightmare."
But Fields said there's not much hope that 2005 will end with any wet weather of significance. "Maybe by the end of the week as we cool down a little bit further we'll have a slight chance of a shower there on Friday, but rain chances right now looking pretty slim for us," he said."
North Texas has had just shy of 19 inches of rain thus far in 2005—that's more than 15 inches less than an average year and more than 28 inches shy of last year's total.
"We'll probably have to wait maybe until the early part of next week," Fields said. "Hopefully, we'll have some significant rain then."
WFAA.com editor Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
Flames consumed several structures in rural Wise County Monday evening.
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
All of North Texas was under a Red Flag Warning Tuesday as unseasonably high temperatures combined with low humidity and gusty winds to create conditions ripe for explosive wildfires.
Outdoor burning bans were in effect for counties throughout the region. The National Weather Service warned that open flames, burning trash, a discarded cigarette—even the heat from a vehicle's exhaust system in tall grass—could spark a fire.
The mercury reached 81 degrees on Monday, shattering the previous Dec. 26 record by 5 degrees.
"It doesn't take much to ignite a grass fire," said WFAA-TV (Channel 8) meteorologist Greg Fields, who forecast Tuesday's afternoon temperature to approach 80 degrees. "Our record high is 81, so we're going to be in the neighborhood again today," he said. "We are looking at very windy and dry conditions across North Texas"
Firefighters were still busy dousing hot spots from wildfires that burned Monday in Collin and Wise counties.
A fire destroyed three homes and damaged several buildings just north of Eagle Mountain Lake near the town of Newark in Wise County.
Collin County firefighters also stayed busy Monday battling six grass fires, including one in Princeton that left two people injured. A 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and a 25-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.
Princeton firefighter Jamie Arnold wasn't looking forward to another warm, dry and windy day on Tuesday. "I'm dreading it, to be honest with you," he said. "If we don't get some rain and get these conditions better, it's going to be a nightmare."
But Fields said there's not much hope that 2005 will end with any wet weather of significance. "Maybe by the end of the week as we cool down a little bit further we'll have a slight chance of a shower there on Friday, but rain chances right now looking pretty slim for us," he said."
North Texas has had just shy of 19 inches of rain thus far in 2005—that's more than 15 inches less than an average year and more than 28 inches shy of last year's total.
"We'll probably have to wait maybe until the early part of next week," Fields said. "Hopefully, we'll have some significant rain then."
WFAA.com editor Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
Flames consumed several structures in rural Wise County Monday evening.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Weather prompts fire warning
The Dallas Morning News Staff
North Texas was under a National Weather Service "red flag warning" Tuesday because of expected strong winds, low humidity levels and extremely dry conditions.
The National Weather Service issues the warning to alert residents about the possibility of fires and to alert firefighters that such fires can spread rapidly and unpredictably. Burning brush, trash or anything else outdoors is extremely dangerous.
Gusty winds and dry conditions fueled a large grass fire Monday that destroyed at least one home and several other structures in rural Wise County. By Tuesday morning, the fire had been contained and authorities were doing cleanup work.
The warm and dry weather also was blamed for a number of smaller brush fires that kept firefighters busy across North Texas on Monday, and authorities feared Tuesday's conditions could be even worse.
"That has us all real concerned," said Traci Weaver, a spokeswoman for the Texas Forest Service. "We have every resource out now."
The Wise County fire was reported about 2 p.m. Monday along FM730 south of Boyd. It grew to an area about 1.5 miles long and a half mile wide, officials said. The fire covered about 170 acres and forced the temporary closure of FM730. Texas Forest Service workers used a helicopter to drop water on the blaze while firefighters from several departments worked on the ground.
A few small grass fires burned in Tarrant County but none was significant, Fire Marshal Randy Renois said.
“We sent people up to Wise County but we stayed pretty quiet over the weekend,” Renois said. “We are under a red flag today. It will be dry with 30 mph wind out of the west. We are going to keep our fingers crossed all day today. Hopefully, we can dodge a bullet.”
Johnson County also reported a small grass fire overnight in Burleson that didn’t cause much damage, but firefighters were bracing for more windy, dry weather.
“With low humidity and high winds, no one needs to burn a cigarette outside,” Burleson Fire Chief Gary Wisdom warned. “The wind is going to come in out of the west and bring dry air. It’s definitely a big fire danger.”
The temperature at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport reached 81 degrees on Monday afternoon, shattering by 5 degrees the record set in 1942 and 1971 and exceeding by 26 degrees the normal temperature for this time of year.
The red flag alert will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, winds will be in the 20 to 30 mph range, with gusts up to 30 to 40 mph. The temperature will reach about 82 degrees, coming close to or breaking the record high of 81 degrees set in 1971, said Dan Huckaby, a NWS meteorologist.
A cold front moving through Tuesday night will cool the region down, but only to the high 60s. Highs will be in the 60s or 70s at least through Saturday and no rain is expected, according to the NWS forecast.
The Dallas Morning News Staff
North Texas was under a National Weather Service "red flag warning" Tuesday because of expected strong winds, low humidity levels and extremely dry conditions.
The National Weather Service issues the warning to alert residents about the possibility of fires and to alert firefighters that such fires can spread rapidly and unpredictably. Burning brush, trash or anything else outdoors is extremely dangerous.
Gusty winds and dry conditions fueled a large grass fire Monday that destroyed at least one home and several other structures in rural Wise County. By Tuesday morning, the fire had been contained and authorities were doing cleanup work.
The warm and dry weather also was blamed for a number of smaller brush fires that kept firefighters busy across North Texas on Monday, and authorities feared Tuesday's conditions could be even worse.
"That has us all real concerned," said Traci Weaver, a spokeswoman for the Texas Forest Service. "We have every resource out now."
The Wise County fire was reported about 2 p.m. Monday along FM730 south of Boyd. It grew to an area about 1.5 miles long and a half mile wide, officials said. The fire covered about 170 acres and forced the temporary closure of FM730. Texas Forest Service workers used a helicopter to drop water on the blaze while firefighters from several departments worked on the ground.
A few small grass fires burned in Tarrant County but none was significant, Fire Marshal Randy Renois said.
“We sent people up to Wise County but we stayed pretty quiet over the weekend,” Renois said. “We are under a red flag today. It will be dry with 30 mph wind out of the west. We are going to keep our fingers crossed all day today. Hopefully, we can dodge a bullet.”
Johnson County also reported a small grass fire overnight in Burleson that didn’t cause much damage, but firefighters were bracing for more windy, dry weather.
“With low humidity and high winds, no one needs to burn a cigarette outside,” Burleson Fire Chief Gary Wisdom warned. “The wind is going to come in out of the west and bring dry air. It’s definitely a big fire danger.”
The temperature at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport reached 81 degrees on Monday afternoon, shattering by 5 degrees the record set in 1942 and 1971 and exceeding by 26 degrees the normal temperature for this time of year.
The red flag alert will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, winds will be in the 20 to 30 mph range, with gusts up to 30 to 40 mph. The temperature will reach about 82 degrees, coming close to or breaking the record high of 81 degrees set in 1971, said Dan Huckaby, a NWS meteorologist.
A cold front moving through Tuesday night will cool the region down, but only to the high 60s. Highs will be in the 60s or 70s at least through Saturday and no rain is expected, according to the NWS forecast.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Winds push fires closer
From The Dallas Morning News Staff and Wire Reports
High winds blew brush fires toward inhabited areas in North Texas Tuesday afternoon, burning at least one home and threatening other structures.
The area remained under a "red flag warning" because of strong winds, low humidity levels and extremely dry conditions. The National Weather Service issued the warning to alert residents and firefighters that such fires can spread rapidly and unpredictably. Burning brush, trash or anything else outdoors is extremely dangerous.
A home and at least one other building off Reagan Road in Colleyville were destroyed by flames, and another fire near the Tierra Verde Golf Club in Kennedale was threatening two apartment complexes.
Other range fires were reported in Fort Worth, Farmers Branch, Ponder, Aubrey and Burleson.
Fort Worth Fire Department Lt. Kent Worley said firefighters had responded to nine brush fires within city limits between midnight and 1 p.m. Tuesday, and he expected more to crop up during afternoon rush hour.
"The truly rough time is around the 3 o’clock to 4 o’clock period, the time of day with the highest temperature and winds, and lowest humidity," Lt. Worley said.
Parker County dispatcher Laura Anderson said a county burn ban that was supposed to expire Tuesday was extended until Feb. 27. Meanwhile, a grass fire consumed a barn in the northern part of the county, but had been contained.
“The wind has picked up again and the humidity’s gone down so we’ll have to see how the day progresses,” Ms. Anderson said.
Other fires were also reported in the region, including a fire near Ponder in Denton County that threatened at least one structure early Tuesday afternoon.
To the north, grass fires marched across parts of central Oklahoma, engulfing homes and injuring at least one person.
Blazes fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds have been threatening homes and other structures in Midwest City and southwest Oklahoma City. Another fast-moving fire raced through a residential area in Mustang, setting homes and other structures ablaze.
Ambulances have been dispatched to the area to attend to firefighters and residents who inhaled choking smoke.
On Monday, a large grass fire destroyed at least one home and several other structures in rural Wise County. By Tuesday morning, the fire had been contained and authorities were doing cleanup work.
A few small grass fires had burned in Tarrant County but none was significant, Fire Marshal Randy Renois said.
“We sent people up to Wise County but we stayed pretty quiet over the weekend,” Renois said. “We are under a red flag today. It will be dry with 30 mph wind out of the west. We are going to keep our fingers crossed all day today. Hopefully, we can dodge a bullet.”
Johnson County also reported a small grass fire overnight in Burleson that didn’t cause much damage, but firefighters were bracing for more windy, dry weather.
“With low humidity and high winds, no one needs to burn a cigarette outside,” Burleson Fire Chief Gary Wisdom warned. “The wind is going to come in out of the west and bring dry air. It’s definitely a big fire danger.”
The red flag alert will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, winds will be in the 20 to 30 mph range, with gusts up to 30 to 40 mph. The temperature will reach about 82 degrees, coming close to or breaking the record high of 81 degrees set in 1971, said Dan Huckaby, a NWS meteorologist.
A cold front moving through Tuesday night will cool the region down, but only to the high 60s. Highs will be in the 60s or 70s at least through Saturday and no rain is expected, according to the NWS forecast.
From The Dallas Morning News Staff and Wire Reports
High winds blew brush fires toward inhabited areas in North Texas Tuesday afternoon, burning at least one home and threatening other structures.
The area remained under a "red flag warning" because of strong winds, low humidity levels and extremely dry conditions. The National Weather Service issued the warning to alert residents and firefighters that such fires can spread rapidly and unpredictably. Burning brush, trash or anything else outdoors is extremely dangerous.
A home and at least one other building off Reagan Road in Colleyville were destroyed by flames, and another fire near the Tierra Verde Golf Club in Kennedale was threatening two apartment complexes.
Other range fires were reported in Fort Worth, Farmers Branch, Ponder, Aubrey and Burleson.
Fort Worth Fire Department Lt. Kent Worley said firefighters had responded to nine brush fires within city limits between midnight and 1 p.m. Tuesday, and he expected more to crop up during afternoon rush hour.
"The truly rough time is around the 3 o’clock to 4 o’clock period, the time of day with the highest temperature and winds, and lowest humidity," Lt. Worley said.
Parker County dispatcher Laura Anderson said a county burn ban that was supposed to expire Tuesday was extended until Feb. 27. Meanwhile, a grass fire consumed a barn in the northern part of the county, but had been contained.
“The wind has picked up again and the humidity’s gone down so we’ll have to see how the day progresses,” Ms. Anderson said.
Other fires were also reported in the region, including a fire near Ponder in Denton County that threatened at least one structure early Tuesday afternoon.
To the north, grass fires marched across parts of central Oklahoma, engulfing homes and injuring at least one person.
Blazes fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds have been threatening homes and other structures in Midwest City and southwest Oklahoma City. Another fast-moving fire raced through a residential area in Mustang, setting homes and other structures ablaze.
Ambulances have been dispatched to the area to attend to firefighters and residents who inhaled choking smoke.
On Monday, a large grass fire destroyed at least one home and several other structures in rural Wise County. By Tuesday morning, the fire had been contained and authorities were doing cleanup work.
A few small grass fires had burned in Tarrant County but none was significant, Fire Marshal Randy Renois said.
“We sent people up to Wise County but we stayed pretty quiet over the weekend,” Renois said. “We are under a red flag today. It will be dry with 30 mph wind out of the west. We are going to keep our fingers crossed all day today. Hopefully, we can dodge a bullet.”
Johnson County also reported a small grass fire overnight in Burleson that didn’t cause much damage, but firefighters were bracing for more windy, dry weather.
“With low humidity and high winds, no one needs to burn a cigarette outside,” Burleson Fire Chief Gary Wisdom warned. “The wind is going to come in out of the west and bring dry air. It’s definitely a big fire danger.”
The red flag alert will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, winds will be in the 20 to 30 mph range, with gusts up to 30 to 40 mph. The temperature will reach about 82 degrees, coming close to or breaking the record high of 81 degrees set in 1971, said Dan Huckaby, a NWS meteorologist.
A cold front moving through Tuesday night will cool the region down, but only to the high 60s. Highs will be in the 60s or 70s at least through Saturday and no rain is expected, according to the NWS forecast.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Firefighters fight three-alarm downtown fire
From WFAA ABC 8
Governor Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration as more than 70 wildfires blazed around Texas.
Wildfires erupted across North Texas Tuesday afternoon as unseasonably high temperatures combined with low humidity and gusty winds to create conditions ripe for fast-moving fires.
However, one fire broke out in downtown away from grassy areas. The call for the three-alarm fire burning in a building at Elm and Akard streets came in around 6:00 p.m.
The building was undergoing loft renovations and is scheduled to eventually house 68 lofts. Witnesses said the fire appears to be coming from the back of the building and firefighters said they believe it started in the elevator shaft. No people were reported in the building.
Firefighters also battled a major fire along the Arlington-Kennedale border in Tarrant County. Flames consumed several single-family homes near the Tierra Verde Golf Club and firefighters were setting up defenses around at least two apartment complexes and a number of residential neighborhoods.
A mobile home park near Mansfield Timberview High School was caught up in a grass fire; at least one home was destroyed and others were damaged.
Another dangerous fire was reported in the Canyon Creek subdivision in Hood County located southwest of Fort Worth.
"It's just chaos right now," said Hood County Sheriff's Department Lt. Billy Henderson. "We have an entire subdivision on fire."
Henderson said the department was trying to evacuate all Canyon Creek residents. There were no reports of injuries.
The fire was blazing near Highway 287 and was being watched closely because it was blazing in an area surrounded by apartment complexes.
Other wildfires were reported in Colleyville, Fort Worth, Farmers Branch, Ponder, Aubrey and Burleson.
"These fires that we've seen are human-caused," said Texas Forestry Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver. "Most of these fires are. Historically in North Texas, about 94 percent of our fires are human-caused."
Weaver said the weather conditions, with winds gusting to 40 mph, made it especially dangerous for firefighters. "It's amazing how fast it spreads in this wind," she said. "When it gets like it is right now, you just can't put a firefighter out in front of that—they'll get burned."
"This is tough; this is tough to watch," said American Red Cross spokeswoman Anita Foster, who said the agency was mobilizing relief trucks and personnel to the affected areas. "We're going to make sure that everyone has a roof over their head tonight."
The Red Cross set up these phone numbers for residents who need help: 817-335-9137 in Tarrant County and 214-678-4800 in Dallas County.
All of North Texas remained under a Red Flag fire warning Tuesday.
Outdoor burning bans were in effect for counties throughout the region. The National Weather Service warned that open flames, burning trash, a discarded cigarette—even the heat from a vehicle's exhaust system in tall grass—could spark a fire.
The mercury reached 82 degrees on Tuesday, setting a record for the second consecutive day.
"It just doesn't look like we have any relief in sight," said WFAA-TV (Channel 8) meteorologist Pete Delkus. "We are going to stay very dry. There is no rain in our forecast through the end of this year."
North Texas has had just shy of 19 inches of rain thus far in 2005—that's more than 15 inches less than an average year and more than 28 inches shy of last year's total.
Delkus said 2005 is on pace to be the fifth driest year on record in North Texas, and the driest in about a half-century.
Wildfires burned Monday in Collin and Wise counties. One blaze destroyed three homes and damaged several buildings just north of Eagle Mountain Lake near the town of Newark in Wise County.
Collin County firefighters also stayed busy Monday battling six grass fires, including one in Princeton that left two people injured. A 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and a 25-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.
Princeton firefighter Jamie Arnold wasn't looking forward to another warm, dry and windy day on Tuesday. "I'm dreading it, to be honest with you," he said. "If we don't get some rain and get these conditions better, it's going to be a nightmare."
WFAA-TV reporters Jim Douglas in Arlington, Gary Reaves in Mansfield and Steve Stoler in Wise County, WFAA.com editor Walt Zwirko in Dallas and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
From WFAA ABC 8
Governor Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration as more than 70 wildfires blazed around Texas.
Wildfires erupted across North Texas Tuesday afternoon as unseasonably high temperatures combined with low humidity and gusty winds to create conditions ripe for fast-moving fires.
However, one fire broke out in downtown away from grassy areas. The call for the three-alarm fire burning in a building at Elm and Akard streets came in around 6:00 p.m.
The building was undergoing loft renovations and is scheduled to eventually house 68 lofts. Witnesses said the fire appears to be coming from the back of the building and firefighters said they believe it started in the elevator shaft. No people were reported in the building.
Firefighters also battled a major fire along the Arlington-Kennedale border in Tarrant County. Flames consumed several single-family homes near the Tierra Verde Golf Club and firefighters were setting up defenses around at least two apartment complexes and a number of residential neighborhoods.
A mobile home park near Mansfield Timberview High School was caught up in a grass fire; at least one home was destroyed and others were damaged.
Another dangerous fire was reported in the Canyon Creek subdivision in Hood County located southwest of Fort Worth.
"It's just chaos right now," said Hood County Sheriff's Department Lt. Billy Henderson. "We have an entire subdivision on fire."
Henderson said the department was trying to evacuate all Canyon Creek residents. There were no reports of injuries.
The fire was blazing near Highway 287 and was being watched closely because it was blazing in an area surrounded by apartment complexes.
Other wildfires were reported in Colleyville, Fort Worth, Farmers Branch, Ponder, Aubrey and Burleson.
"These fires that we've seen are human-caused," said Texas Forestry Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver. "Most of these fires are. Historically in North Texas, about 94 percent of our fires are human-caused."
Weaver said the weather conditions, with winds gusting to 40 mph, made it especially dangerous for firefighters. "It's amazing how fast it spreads in this wind," she said. "When it gets like it is right now, you just can't put a firefighter out in front of that—they'll get burned."
"This is tough; this is tough to watch," said American Red Cross spokeswoman Anita Foster, who said the agency was mobilizing relief trucks and personnel to the affected areas. "We're going to make sure that everyone has a roof over their head tonight."
The Red Cross set up these phone numbers for residents who need help: 817-335-9137 in Tarrant County and 214-678-4800 in Dallas County.
All of North Texas remained under a Red Flag fire warning Tuesday.
Outdoor burning bans were in effect for counties throughout the region. The National Weather Service warned that open flames, burning trash, a discarded cigarette—even the heat from a vehicle's exhaust system in tall grass—could spark a fire.
The mercury reached 82 degrees on Tuesday, setting a record for the second consecutive day.
"It just doesn't look like we have any relief in sight," said WFAA-TV (Channel 8) meteorologist Pete Delkus. "We are going to stay very dry. There is no rain in our forecast through the end of this year."
North Texas has had just shy of 19 inches of rain thus far in 2005—that's more than 15 inches less than an average year and more than 28 inches shy of last year's total.
Delkus said 2005 is on pace to be the fifth driest year on record in North Texas, and the driest in about a half-century.
Wildfires burned Monday in Collin and Wise counties. One blaze destroyed three homes and damaged several buildings just north of Eagle Mountain Lake near the town of Newark in Wise County.
Collin County firefighters also stayed busy Monday battling six grass fires, including one in Princeton that left two people injured. A 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and a 25-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.
Princeton firefighter Jamie Arnold wasn't looking forward to another warm, dry and windy day on Tuesday. "I'm dreading it, to be honest with you," he said. "If we don't get some rain and get these conditions better, it's going to be a nightmare."
WFAA-TV reporters Jim Douglas in Arlington, Gary Reaves in Mansfield and Steve Stoler in Wise County, WFAA.com editor Walt Zwirko in Dallas and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
0 likes
Return to “USA & Caribbean Weather”
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: AnnularCane, CaptinCrunch, Pas_Bon and 35 guests