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Texas And Oklahoma Facing Major Wildfires, Governor Declares Disaster

Texas And Oklahoma Facing Major Wildfires, Governor Declares Disaster

Weather Desk 28 Feb , 2024 11:49 AM GMT

  • Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties due to wildfires.

  • Winds gusting at 60-70 mph have fueled rapid fire spread.

  • Over 300,000 acres consumed, surpassing total acreage burned in 2023.

Texas And Oklahoma Facing Major Wildfires, Governor Declares Disaster
Wildfires in Texas
Reuters
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Today, a Fox wildfire alert has been issued due to six major wildfires raging through the Texas panhandle and western portions of Oklahoma. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in 60 counties in Texas as a result of the devastating fires.

The wildfires have been fueled by dry and hot conditions, with winds gusting at speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour. The wind-driven storms have caused the fires to spread rapidly, with the winds changing direction unpredictably.

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Reports indicate that over 300,000 acres have already been consumed by the fires, surpassing the total acreage burned in 2023. Texas has witnessed more than 200,000 acres burned so far, making this the 5th widest burning wildfire in the state's history.

For perspective, an acre is roughly the size of a football field, meaning that over 300,000 football fields have been engulfed by the flames. The situation is dire, with the fires showing no signs of slowing down.

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The weather conditions have further complicated firefighting efforts, with strong winds continuing to fan the flames. A dry front passing through the region has brought minimal rainfall, exacerbating the already critical situation.

Looking ahead, the forecast predicts snowfall for tomorrow, followed by a return to hot and windy conditions on Friday. The weekend is expected to bring more wind, posing additional challenges for containment efforts.

Authorities are working tirelessly to bring the wildfires under control and are hoping for a day with reduced wind speeds to aid in their efforts. The safety of residents and the preservation of the affected areas remain top priorities as the battle against the wildfires continues.

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