1 week ago
Texas, Nevada Wildfires Force Evacuations Amid Dangerous Conditions
Two big wildfires caused serious problems in Texas and Nevada.
In Texas, the Ross Fire spread very quickly across ranchland.
Hot weather, dry conditions and strong winds helped it grow.
At least five structures burned, including buildings at a youth camp that had already been evacuated.
People left their homes, schools closed, and some animals were moved to safer places.
In Nevada, the Hawk Fire burned many homes near Reno.
Seven people were injured, but firefighters had contained most of that fire by Tuesday evening.
Officials said people should be careful because the dry weather could cause more fires.
The Ross Fire burned more than 78 square miles in north-central Texas in less than a day.
At least five structures were destroyed in Texas, including buildings at Worth Ranch youth camp.
Evacuations, school closures and animal relocations followed as firefighters struggled against heat and strong winds.
Texas officials reported 8% containment and warned the Ross Fire could continue growing.
Nevada’s Hawk Fire destroyed at least 47 homes, injured seven people and reached 85% containment.
- Who
- Firefighters, emergency officials, residents and evacuees in Texas and Nevada; Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also announced federal assistance.
- What
- The Ross and Hawk wildfires spread rapidly, destroying structures and homes, injuring people and prompting evacuations.
- Where
- The Ross Fire burned across Palo Pinto and surrounding areas in north-central Texas, about 60 miles west of Fort Worth; the Hawk Fire burned near Reno, Nevada, by the California state line.
- When
- The Ross Fire began Monday afternoon and the Hawk Fire began Saturday; updates described conditions on Tuesday.
- Why
- Hot temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds fueled the Ross Fire; Nevada officials said human activity caused the Hawk Fire, either intentionally or accidentally.
Key facts
- Ross Fire size
- More than 78 square miles, or 200 square kilometers, burned in less than a day.
- Ross Fire containment
- The fire was 8% contained as of Tuesday evening.
- Texas damage
- At least five structures were destroyed, including buildings at Worth Ranch youth camp.
- Texas response
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency was providing resources, while water-dropping aircraft helped protect structures.
- Hawk Fire damage
- At least 47 homes were destroyed across about 23 square miles, or 60 square kilometers.
- Hawk Fire status
- The Nevada fire was 85% contained on Tuesday evening.
- Hawk Fire injuries
- At least seven people were injured: three first responders and four civilians.
Quotes
Katie Rochelle
Graford-area resident whose family canoe rental business was damaged by the Ross Fire
“It just took off way too fast. The wind was going in a tornado motion.”
deccanchronicle.com
“I don’t know what we’re going to do now.”
deccanchronicle.com
Danny Watkins
Fire chief with Palo Pinto County’s emergency services district
“We’ve thrown everything at this, and we’re still having minimal effect.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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