Texas wildfire quickly doubles in size forcing rural residents to evacuate

Authorities issued evacuation orders on Tuesday across parts of rural Texas as a fast-expanding wildfire spread through ranchland, forcing local schools to delay or cancel classes.

Starting early Monday afternoon, the fire burned through more than 78 square miles (200 square kilometers) of lightly populated land across two counties in north-central Texas.

Known as the Ross Fire, the blaze remained only slightly contained approximately 60 miles (96 kilometers) west of Fort Worth.

At least five structures have been destroyed in the area, according to officials in Palo Pinto County.

Ideal fire conditions allowed the flames to shoot up within a matter of hours, said Amy Meyer, a spokesperson for the Palo Pinto County emergency services district. “We are so dry,” she said.

Local authorities established evacuation centers on Tuesday, while ranchers and a livestock commission offered barns to temporarily house animals requiring evacuation. Emergency officials expected the fire to continue growing on Tuesday as temperatures increased over the course of the day.

The Texas blaze occurs amid widespread fire activity across the South and western U.S. as extremely dry conditions persist.

A dozen new large fires were reported on Sunday alone, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Across the nation, more than 50,000 wildfires have been logged so far this year, marking the highest number recorded for the same period over the past 10 years, the center reported.

Meanwhile, firefighters in Nevada made progress slowing a fire that forced thousands to evacuate in Reno over the weekend after flames advanced dangerously close to densely populated neighborhoods.

The Hawk Fire has destroyed more than 30 homes across approximately 23 square miles (60 square kilometers). Officials in Nevada confirmed on Monday that the blaze was 27% contained.

The number of Reno-area residents subject to evacuation orders and warnings decreased to around 63,000, down from an initial figure of more than 90,000 people.

The fire near the California state line started on Saturday before rapidly increasing in size on Sunday. At least seven people — three first responders and four civilians — suffered injuries. Reno fire officials attributed the Hawk Fire to human activity, stating it was set either accidentally or intentionally.