Jan 30, 2008 12:54 pm US/Central
Perry Declares Wildfire Disaster In 152 Counties
AUSTIN (CBS 11 News/AP) ―
Gov. Rick Perry has issued a state disaster proclamation for 152 counties, including Denton and Tarrant, because of the threat posed by rapidly spreading wildfires.
Burn bans are already in place in those Texas counties. The disaster proclamation allows affected counties to be eligible for state assistance.
High winds and dry conditions have made for explosive fire conditions across much of Texas.
To deal with the threat, seven Texas Military Forces utility helicopters have been activated and are stationed in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. One CH-47 helicopter is on standby in Grand Prairie. The helicopter is prepared to drop water on fires if necessary.
Other state agencies are also responding to the threat, brought on by high winds and dry conditions.
Some of the worst fires were sparked Tuesday in the Town of Paradise in Wise County. According to Wise County Sheriff's Department official's fires destroyed 15 houses, many outbuildings, and burned some 800 acres before being extinguished.
Wednesday the Wise County Fire Marshall told CBS 11 News their investigation revealed that a cigarette sparked the fire in Paradise.
More than 500 acres burned in Denton County Tuesday. A blaze started near Interstate 35 caused officials to shut down the interstate. Fire responders were able to contain the flames and Denton County fire officials say there were no injuries or structural damage as a result of the fires.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
