Wildfires in Texas Continue to Grow

Is it just me or does February seem longer this year?

Wildfires in Texas Continue to Grow

A wildfire in the Texas Panhandle, dubbed the Smoke House Creek Fire, is rapidly expanding, becoming one of the largest in state history. The AP reported it has surpassed 1,300 square miles and is reaching parts of Oklahoma. Strong winds and dry conditions fueled the blaze, prompting evacuation orders in small towns. No casualties have been reported.

Hemphill County's landscape is described as “devastated,” with around 40 homes destroyed. Evacuations are also ordered in Borger, Texas, as the fires threaten populated areas. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties.

The AP reported:

The weather forecast provided some hope for firefighters — cooler temperatures, less wind and possibly rain on Thursday. But for now, the situation was dire in some areas.

Sustained winds of up to 45 mph (72 kph), with gusts of up to 70 mph (113 kph), caused the fires that were spreading east to turn south, threatening new areas, forecasters said. But winds calmed down after a cold front came through Tuesday evening, said Peter Vanden Bosch, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Amarillo.

“Fortunately, the winds have weakened quite significantly,” Vanden Bosch said Wednesday. Breezy conditions were expected again Friday, and fire-friendly weather could return by the weekend, he said.

RELATED: Texas wildfire ravages nearly 900,000 acres in second largest fire in state's history (Fox News)

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