wildfire

AUSTIN–Henderson, Kaufman and Van Zandt counties are among 143 counties included in a disaster declaration issued Oct. 14 by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott because of an increasing wildfire threat across the state.
The National Weather Service predicts near-record heat through October as well as a warm and dry winter. Upcoming windy conditions will increase the potential for wildfire activity across the state, the Texas Division of Emergency Management said in an Oct. 14 press release about the governor’s declaration.

Courtesy Photo
The Texas Forestry Service supplies an aircraft to drop flame retardant on a wildfire that caused residents in the area to be evacuated. The fire, located near Farm to Market 59 South near Cross Roads burned 152 acres before becoming contained and allowing residents to return to their homes around 7:15 p.m., July 19.