Grass Fires Burning Across North Texas
Updated 8:30 p.m. 3/11/2011
NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Several grass fires have been sparked across North Texas. Dry conditions and high winds are fanning flames over thousands of acres, in at least four different counties.
At about 2:30 p.m. officials in Jacksboro asked residents of the western part of that city to evacuate to the central part of town.
CBS Chopper 11 flew over burning land in the city of Rhome, in Wise County, where several businesses have been evacuated along U.S. Highway 287 because of flames and smoke.
At 7:20 p.m, The Texas Forest Service listed the following fire damage in North Texas:
- Jack County - 3,000 acres burned & 150 homes threatened
- Wise County - 265 acres burned & 24 homes threatened
- Bosque County - 4,000 acres burned & 100 homes threatened
- Hood County - 20 acres burned, but two homes burned and six more threatened
CBS 11 Meteorologist Jeff Ray confirmed that satellites are showing several fires in western half of North Texas.
A Red Flag warning, which indicates an increased possibility of fire because of low humidity and high winds, was in effect for much of the day. Wind gusts between 30-36 m.p.h. are being reported in the fire areas.
According to the Texas Forest Service, Saturday's winds are predicted to be muck lighter than Friday. The Forest Service says winds will be roughly half of those experienced today and relative humidity is predicted to be twice that of today as Southeast winds begin to pull Gulf moisture into the state.
