DALLAS — Firefighters in Texas faced calmer weather conditions Saturday while attacking deadly wind-driven wildfires but worried that approaching thunderstorms could create new problems.
Bill Beebe, a spokesman for the Texas Forest Service, said conditions were “pretty quiet,” though firefighters had yet to contain more than 122,000 burning acres, including two new fires in East Texas.
The major concern was that lightning from thunderstorms predicted for today could spark additional fires, he said.
In neighboring Oklahoma, grass fires that have plagued the state in recent days flared up again Saturday in two counties, prompting temporary evacuations.
Midwest City firefighters battled a blaze that threatened two housing subdivisions. Authorities evacuated residents from parts of Midwest City and neighboring Choctaw until the fire was brought under control, said Fire Chief Randy Olsen.
Meantime in Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Saturday that it has authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the fire in Palo Pinto County, west of Fort Worth.
Firefighters haven’t been able to contain any of the Palo Pinto fire, Beebe said. The fire has burned 700 acres, destroyed 14 homes and threatened 198 homes, he said.
