Wildfires Blaze Across Texas

Wildfires roared through Texas yesterday, burning more than 230,000 acres and destroying about 80 homes. One West Texas blaze covered 20 miles in 90 minutes, crossing railroad tracks and state highways as it burned more than 60,000 acres and destroyed 40 homes. "Frankly, it moved almost as quick as a truck," the county emergency management coordinator tells Reuters. "When you hear the word firestorm, this is what I imagine."

Dry, windy conditions have fed wildfires for the past eight days across the state, and officials say that the West Texas blaze could continue burning for days or weeks if the wind doesn't change. In the northern Panhandle, a firefighter fighting an estimated 60,000-acre blaze was in critical condition after suffering severe burns. Crews and equipment from 25 states are in Texas to help. (More Texas stories.)