Fire crews in Central Texas struggled Friday to contain massive, windswept wildfires that burned homes, destroyed a church and left a sheriff’s deputy dead.
Strengthened by drought conditions, the fires merged to form what officials call a “complex” that was burning near Eastland, about 120 miles west of Dallas. Hundreds of homes were evacuated in smaller communities.
About 18,000 people live in Eastland County. About 475 homes were evacuated in the town of Gorman, but officials don’t yet know how many structures may have burned, said Matthew Ford, spokesman for Texas A&M Forest Service. Several months of dry, windy weather have fueled deadly wildfires in Kansas and Oklahoma, including one a few weeks ago. In remote, western Nebraska ranching country, a large wildfire has been burning for several days. Meteorologists said they were hopeful that rain showers expected early next week across the Plains would reduce the risk.
A nursing home in Rising Star was evacuated and residents were taken to a community center, Eastland County Today reported. A Baptist church in downtown Ranger, Texas, about 85 miles west of Fort Worth, was destroyed Thursday when flames engulfed the 103-year-old building. The police department and other historic buildings were also burned, Dallas TV station WFAA reported.
The fire, which was fueled by high winds, may have started from a barbecue pit, Ranger Fire Department Chief Darrell Fox said.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
High fire danger in parts of Central Texas heading into weekendSTAY SAFE: whether you live in Austin or out in the Hill Country, now is the time for homeowners to take action to protect their properties from fires.
Lire la suite »
Spreading Wildfires in Central Texas Prompt Evacuation OrdersEvacuation orders increased in central Texas on Friday as multiple wildfires fueled by high winds and dry conditions spread across 45,000 acres with minimal containment
Lire la suite »
New Music Friday: Normani, Carrie Underwood, Arcade Fire and More.Normani, carrieunderwood, arcadefire, and more understood the NewMusicFriday assignment! 🎶
Lire la suite »
Major SF thoroughfares closes Friday after two fire trucks collideTwo fire trucks responding to a report of a structure fire in Pacific Heights collided Friday afternoon, shuttering major thoroughfares, officials said.
Lire la suite »
Family of driver, 13, in Texas crash 'lost everything' in fire last year, pastor saysThe unidentified boy died in the collision along with his dad, Henrich Siemens, a 38-year-old passenger in the truck. Six New Mexico college golfers and their coach were killed, too.
Lire la suite »
18 fire departments battled 5-alarm fire at Walmart Distribution Center in PlainfieldCrews are still battling what was a massive 5-alarm fire this evening at the Plainfield Walmart Distribution Center. That location employed roughly 1,000 people - who were all able to evacuate safely. The Latest:
Lire la suite »