More Wildfires Break Out in Texas

More wildfires touched off in Texas recently. Bastrop County, Texas, scene of severe September wildfires, is burning again. This time, firefighters say, the damage should not be as extensive. Texas and Oklahoma are struggling under profound drought conditions. Although flash floods are predicted, it may not be enough to break the drought's grip and prevent more wildfires.

The Texas Forest Service says it responded to seven new fires covering 1,072 acres. Fires include the Spring Hill fire in Bowie County, Tx., and the Litts fire in Roberts County, Tx. Over the past seven days, firefighters worked to contain 92 new wildfires covering 2,391 acres.

The so-called Old Potato fire in Bastrop County, that started earlier this week did not burn as extensively as first reported. Instead of 1,000 acres, only 320 were actually affected. No one was injured and although homes were evacuated, no structures burned. As of Oct.7, the fire was 75 percent contained and residents were allowed to return home.

To prevent further outbreaks of wildfire, many counties have issued burn limitations. Of Texas's 245 counties, 241 have burning bans. Some fires are permitted but must follow strict codes and be properly contained. Exceptions include: ceremonial and recreational fires (campfires, bonfires), firefighter training and fires for land clearing or waste disposal. Texas fire code also says that if a fire causes damage, even if codes are followed, the person who started the fire is liable for damages.

Although total impacts aren't fully available, damage estimates from the September outbreak place the total at $250 million (as calculated by insurance claims) for Bastrop County alone. Add this to larger drought damages and the figure is $5.5 billion dollars for agricultural losses. The September wildfires consumed over 6,000 square miles of land in central Texas. 2,700 homes were destroyed by fire.

Other wildfire-related issues include delayed planting of some crops, lower crop yield, inflated prices of animal feed and deflated prices for some crops. The winter wheat crop alone saw a 22-percent lower output. The wildfires had some positive impacts, too. Wildfires cleared the way for more extensive planting of some crops.

Flash floods and flooding are predicted for some counties in central Texas, including the Permian Basin. Wind speeds may be 45 mph. This raises concerns for residents as it was winds from Tropical Storm Lee that sparked the initial spate of wildfires. This rain will not likely be enough to reverse the severe drought conditions in the state. Meteorologists are predicting that the 2011 drought will last through 2012. It is the worst drought Oklahoma has known since 1921. It may be the worst drought in the history of the state of Texas.