Evacuation orders were issued Tuesday across rural parts of Texas as a fast-growing wildfire surged through ranchland, disrupting daily life and prompting some schools to delay openings or cancel classes altogether.
The blaze, which started early Monday afternoon, has scorched more than 78 square miles (200 square kilometers) across sparsely populated stretches of two counties in north central Texas.
Exceptionally dangerous fire weather helped the flames expand rapidly within just hours, said Amy Meyer, a spokesperson for Palo Pinto County’s emergency services district. “We are so dry,” she said.
The Texas fire is part of a broader wave of wildfire activity across the South and the western United States, where persistent drought and dry vegetation have fueled new outbreaks. The National Interagency Fire Center said a dozen new large fires were reported on Sunday alone.
Across the country, more than 50,000 wildfires have been recorded so far this year, the highest total for this point in the calendar year in the past decade, according to the center.
In Nevada, crews reported progress against a separate wildfire that forced thousands of people to leave their homes in the Reno area over the weekend after flames moved dangerously close to heavily populated neighborhoods.
The Hawk Fire has burned roughly 23 square miles (60 square kilometers) and destroyed more than 30 homes. Nevada officials said Monday that the fire was 27% contained.
Evacuation orders and warnings in the Reno area had been reduced to about 63,000 residents, down from more than 90,000. The fire, burning near the California state line, started Saturday before spreading quickly on Sunday. At least seven people have been injured, including three first responders and four civilians.
Fire officials in Reno blame human activity for the Hawk Fire, saying it was either intentionally set or accidental.
In Texas, the Ross Fire was only slightly contained as it churned through ranchland about 60 miles (96 kilometers) west of Fort Worth. At least five structures have been destroyed, according to officials in Palo Pinto County.
Authorities opened evacuation centers and some schools were closed Tuesday. Ranchers and a livestock commission were offering barns to temporarily hold animals that need to be evacuated.
Emergency officials expect the fire to keep growing Tuesday as temperatures increase through the day.
