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Red Cross Responds as Texas Wildfires Continue to Burn
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Thursday, March 16, 2006 — Wildfires that destroyed numerous homes and closed at least one major highway continue to burn across the southern plains of Texas today.
Reminiscent of wildfires that scorched over 455,000 acres of Texas in December and January, the low humidity and strong winds have made conditions ideal for the wildfires to spread. Shortly after Christmas, extreme drought, warm temperatures and wind gusts upwards of 30 mph fueled wildfires in Texas, reducing 149 homes - including this one - to rubble.
(Photo Credit: Gene Dailey/American Red Cross)
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Reminiscent of wildfires that scorched over 455,000 acres of Texas in December and January, the low humidity and strong winds have made conditions ideal for the fires to spread. The state responded to more than 200 fires in a 24-hour period from Monday through Tuesday that scorched over 191,000 acres. To date, the blazes have burned more than 840,000 acres of land, resulted in 11 confirmed deaths and prompted thousands of families to evacuate their homes. Officials estimate that approximately 10,000 cows and horses also have died in the fires.
Local chapters of the American Red Cross were activated immediately to respond to the needs of families and responders in affected areas. The Eastern Panhandle Chapter opened a shelter for evacuees at the First Baptist Church in Pampa and also has been providing food and beverages to firefighters fighting the blaze.
At a request from the state, the North Central Texas Chapter provided cots for firefighters to rest. The Amarillo chapter set up a feeding site on the Amarillo fair grounds and continues to provide support to firefighters and emergency officials. More than 240 meals for firefighters have been provided by the Ft. Worth Chapter, and it is reported that all fires have been contained in that area.
The Tulsa, Okla., Area Chapter has been feeding and providing other assistance to evacuees. A shelter was opened at Oak Mission School in Delaware County. Evacuees who had been staying there now have been accommodated in hotels or are staying with friends and family members. Nearly 1,000 evacuees were served hot meals at Oaks School on Monday and roughly 900 were served breakfast and lunch on Tuesday.
Red Cross caseworkers are scheduled to begin providing families with financial assistance today, and disaster assessments have begun to determine how many homes have been affected or destroyed by the wildfires.
A series of wind-driven fires also broke out in Oklahoma Wednesday burning more than 4,000 acres. The state is on high alert with the forecast predicting winds gusting up to 20-25 mph. A fire also was spotted in Western Kansas that charred 14,000 acres. It is believed that the worst of these fires have been extinguished, but there are still some "hot spots" that are being monitored.
The strong winds that have been driving the fires eased a bit in Texas today, and forecasters are calling for a slight chance of rain this weekend which will hopefully increase humidity and stop the fires from spreading.
The Red Cross urges those in the path of wildfires to listen to local authorities when advised to evacuate and to take steps now, if they haven't already, to prepare for the possibility.
If Wildfire Threatens Your Community
- If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.
- Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
- Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.
If Advised to Evacuate, Do So Immediately
- Wear protective clothing—sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit, which should include:
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
- Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies.
- Special items for infants/young children, pets and elderly or disabled family members.
- Lock your home.
- Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
- Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
- An extra pair of eyeglasses.
- Keep important family documents in a waterproof container.
To learn more about wildfire safety and preparing your home, community and workplace, visit the "Get Prepared" section of www.redcross.org.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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