Texas Wildfires have now left approximately 1,400 homes destroyed, countless families displaced, four dead, and a state in ruin. The Texas Forest Service responded to 20 new fires yesterday in Grimes, Montgomery and Waller counties, blackening over 15,000 acres. These three fires are now 60% contained.
Texas Forest service officials report over 40 fires are burning across the state now, consuming over 120,000 acres as of yesterday. Ground crews have managed to calm the largest of fires in Bastrom county, avoiding the use of helicopter dropped fire retardent.
The higher number of destroyed homes increased due to the street by street and garage by garage search conducted on Wednesday. More homes are expected to be counted in the lost category as the days go on.
This year's Texas drought and the hottest June through August in U.S. history, coupled with a drastic boom in population and extensive new housing projects, set the stage for wildfires to ignite and spread.
Governor Perry is awaiting federal assistance approved by President Obama's administration. Several states have supported the fire disaster relief efforts, by sending firefighters to help battle the blazes. An estimated 400 firefighters are putting their lives on the line to save homes and lives.